AEU WELCOMES FREE TAFE BILL PASSING THE HOUSE

The Australian Education Union has welcomed the passing of the Free TAFE Bill 2024, and now urges the Senate to pass the Bill promptly.

AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said the passing of this legislation through the House was a critical first step for Australia’s TAFE system, and stressed the importance of seeing this legislation pass the Senate before an election is called.

“With the Federal Election looming, we are calling on the Federal Parliament to pass this legislation so that TAFE students and teachers can have certainty into the future,” Ms Haythorpe said.

“We know that the Coalition have been vocally opposed to Free TAFE. This puts Free TAFE at significant risk of being scrapped should a Dutton Government be elected.”

“Free TAFE has changed lives, and we have seen rapid invigoration of the TAFE sector under the Albanese government, but now all that progress is at risk.”

The AEU is a strong supporter of Free TAFE and has made a submission into the Senate Inquiry into the Free TAFE legislation. We note that although significant advances had been made, there is still much work to be done for attraction and retention for TAFE teachers and for the upgrading of TAFE facilities.

“The AEU has two key recommendations on this legislation, which are important to ensure the success and longevity of Free TAFE,” Ms Haythorpe said.

“We need to see the recruitment and retention of TAFE teachers addressed, through changes such as improved workplace conditions, permanency and career progression for the TAFE workforce.”

“After a decade of neglect by the previous coalition government, TAFE urgently needs investment in infrastructure and equipment to provide high quality teaching and learning facilities for teachers and students and to handle the increase in student demand.”

“We want to ensure that permanent Free TAFE is delivered with the best resources possible, and that means all governments must resource TAFE and TAFE teachers properly.”

“We know the Shadow Minister for Industry, Skills and Training Sussan Ley has called free TAFE a ‘flop’ and said about fee free TAFE: ‘if you don't pay for something, you don't value it’.”

“Australian students can’t risk a Dutton Government undoing all the progress that has been made.”

ENDS

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