INVESTMENT IN TAFE AN INVESTMENT IN AUSTRALIA’S ECONOMY

The Australian Education Union has welcomed the Federal Government’s investment of $4.1 billion in the critical skills education Australia will require for our future economic prosperity and success.

“TAFE plays a unique and valuable role in our nation,” said AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe.

“Investment in TAFE is ultimately an investment in our economy and future prosperity.

“Through TAFE, students from all walks of life can gain the skills and knowledge they need to be effective at work, and Australian businesses can access talented, highly qualified workers they need to succeed and prosper.”

The investment of $4.1 billion includes $3.7 billion for skills agreements with the states and territories and a further $400 million for fee-free training places.

AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe highlighted the Government’s commitment to keeping TAFE as the heart of vocational education.

“We are particularly pleased to see the Federal Government restate its commitment to TAFE, recognising its role in providing quality public vocational education across the country, in the regions and in the cities.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Federal Government to ensure the promise of fee-free TAFE will provide funding to cover the full cost of course delivery, bolster resources and infrastructure on campus, recruit more qualified TAFE teachers and address the failed policies of contestable funding and marketisation so that TAFE can continue to provide quality skills education to all Australians.”

-ENDS

Media contact: Alys Gagnon, 0438 379 977, alys.gagnon@essentialmedia.com.au