AEU welcomes Labor's landmark commitment to TAFE

The Australian Education Union Victorian branch has welcomed Victorian Labor’s commitment to introduce legislation to guarantee 70% of VET funding to TAFE, expanding the eligibility for enrolment in fee-free TAFE courses, and provide additional investment in building and upgrading TAFE infrastructure across the state.

This commitment builds on the federal Albanese government’s policy to prioritise funding to TAFEs in the same way, enabling a strong vocational education sector with TAFE at the centre.

“Victorians will welcome the commitment to give TAFEs more funding security given the many thousands who depend on TAFE to access high-quality education and training,” AEU Victorian branch president Meredith Peace said.

“Expanding the eligibility for enrolment in fee-free TAFE courses to all Victorians will support efforts to address staffing shortages in many industries by removing existing barriers to TAFE training. This is especially important for lower socio-economic, culturally and linguistically diverse, and rural and regional communities and women.”

The AEU also welcomed Victorian Labor’s commitment to provide important investment in building and upgrading TAFE infrastructure across the state.

“It is well known that former Liberal Governments, at the state and federal level, have systematically undermined and dismantled TAFE, depriving many Australians from accessing the skills education they need.

“It’s very heartening to see TAFE being prioritised as the anchor of the VET sector by Victorian Labor, including the commitment to regional TAFE, through targeted investment that benefits TAFE teachers, students and the Victorian community more broadly.

“The Liberal opposition have been silent on TAFE. We’re calling on them to step up and match these commitments to demonstrate their commitment to ensuring all Victorians can access high quality and affordable vocational education and training, no matter their background or where they live.”

Media contact: DISHI GAHLOWT – 0434 159 833

14 November 2022