THE HON TANYA PLIBERSEK MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING
MEMBER FOR SYDNEY

GED KEARNEY MP
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR SKILLS
MEMBER FOR COOPER

TAFE AND TRAINING FUNDING DROPS 11 PER CENTUNDER THE LIBERALS: NEW REPORT

Scott Morrison and the Liberals cut federal funding for TAFE and training by a staggering $326 million last year – an almost 11 per cent drop.

$326 million could pay for an extra 32,000 trainees or apprentices.

The cut was revealed today in a new report from the independent National Centre for Vocational Education Research.

The Liberals have already created a skills crisis in Australia. These cuts will only makes things worse.

Is it any wonder our nation has a shortage of plumbers, hairdressers, bricklayers, panelbeaters, and other critical workers?

By locking Australians out of education, the Liberals are locking Australians out of jobs.

That’s bad for business, and bad for the economy.

Today’s report follows recent news that over the last five years the Liberals spent nearly $1 billion less than they promised on TAFE, training, and apprenticeships.

Australia has 150,000 fewer apprentices and trainees today than when the Liberals first came to office.

The number of Australians doing an apprenticeship or traineeship is lower today than it was a decade ago.

There are more people dropping out of apprenticeships and traineeships than finishing them.

Businesses are crying out for more qualified workers. The Australian Industry Group says 75 per cent of businesses surveyed are struggling to find the qualified workers they need.

There are almost two million Australians out of work or looking for more hours.

Now we know why Scott Morrison isn’t training these people for jobs in industries facing skills shortages: because he’s starving TAFEs and training of funding.



WEDNESDAY, 4 DECEMBER 2019