Jerome Laxale (Bennelong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

When the Albanese government came to power, it was confronted with a number of alarming situations, none more pressing than an economy on the ropes and a staggering skills deficit that threatened to undermine our nation's future prosperity. Upon taking office, the government had to deal with a genuine skills crisis. Occupations on the skills shortage list had skyrocketed from 153 to a staggering 286. According to the OECD, Australia was facing the second-most-severe labour shortage in the developed world—a stark reminder of the urgency of the situation we then faced.

Never forget the decade of cuts to TAFE and the VET sector administered by state and federal Liberal governments. Those opposite have never shown a commitment to TAFE and the VET sector during their tenure, and they were on an ideological mission to destroy TAFE through cuts, sales and privatisation. Their longstanding opposition to TAFE and vocational education speaks volumes about their priorities and their commitment to addressing the pressing skills shortage we face today.

That's why I'm proud to be a part of a government that understands that a strong and accessible higher education and vocational education and training sector is crucial not only to tackling this skill shortage but to creating a better future for all Australians. To fix our skills shortage and grow our economy, the Albanese government is investing in our country's greatest resource—our people. The cost-of-living stress that Australians face today is immense. The rising cost of housing, utilities and groceries, coupled with stagnant wage growth, has cast a shadow over the household budgets of many.

Fee-free TAFE is a critical measure in the suite of policies this government is implementing against the cost-of-living crisis. Its impact extends beyond the classroom, offering a lifeline to individuals seeking to re-skill and redefine their careers. When the cost of living soars, individuals often find themselves at a crossroad, contemplating the daunting prospect of balancing expenses versus a desire to re-skill or upskill. Through fee-free TAFE, this government has removed the financial barrier that holds many back from accessing education, upskilling and getting a better paid job.

As industries evolve and technological advancements reshape the employment landscape, staying relevant in the workforce requires adaptability. Fee-free TAFE not only opens the door to reskilling but also widens the avenues for securing better employment opportunities. Because of fee-free TAFE, Australians now have the opportunity to get better jobs with higher pay. One of the most significant achievements of this policy is its contribution to addressing skills shortages in various sectors. Whether it's in the care sector, agriculture, hospitality, construction, technology or defence, this government is delivering essential skills at a time when they are most needed, and the numbers back it up. There were over 214,300 enrolments in the first six months, surpassing the 2023 target of 180,000 by nearly 35,000 places. It has been a resounding success.

I've got an example from Bennelong. I met Claire, a mother of two, who is the perfect example of what this policy was designed to deliver. Claire's fee-free TAFE journey is real, and it shows how good government and good policies can help good people. For years, Claire had worked tirelessly in the media industry to provide for her kids. It was a path she had chosen, but over time Claire began to yearn for a change—a change that would not only enrich her life but also offer greater opportunities for her kids and her family. However, Claire found changing careers to be hard. The financial barriers to changing careers are daunting. The costs of reskilling, and balancing that with the family budget, can become too much of a burden. However, thanks to this policy, Claire is now on a different path. With our policy, she not only enrolled in an accounting course but also gained the confidence and skills needed to change her career. When she finishes her fee-free TAFE course, she wants to open a small accounting practice.

Claire's story reminds us all that fee-free TAFE is not merely about statistics and numbers; it's about real people and their dreams, and it's also about growing our economy. This policy is a lifeline that has opened doors for many individuals from all walks of life and from different backgrounds and experiences. It has fuelled the aspirations of mothers, fathers, young Australians, jobseekers, people with disabilities and First Nations Australians. It's about providing a ladder of upward mobility and, importantly, it's about productivity and growing our economy.

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