Susan Templeman (Macquarie, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I represent a community in Macquarie that values its carpenters, plumbers and electricians; its hairdressers and beauty therapists; its outdoor tourism guides and chefs; and its aged-care and childcare workers. We know they learn and formalise their skills both on the job with great small-business bosses and at TAFE. That's why TAFE in the Blue Mountains, in the Hawkesbury and throughout Western Sydney really matters. Free TAFE is a way to make that pathway more accessible to more people, and more than half a million people have embraced it and are training in the jobs that we need.

The Liberals have confirmed that they'll oppose the Albanese government's Free TAFE Bill. This would deny a generation of Australians access to cost-of-living relief that helps them get secure, well-paid jobs. The Liberals have made it clear that they will scrap fee-free TAFE. Last time they were in office, the Liberals ripped $3 billion from TAFE and training. Are they going to do that again if they're given the chance? Are the Liberals going to tear up the existing fee-free arrangement with New South Wales? How much will TAFE cost students under the Liberals?

The Liberals left Australia with the worst skill shortage in 50 years, but they call fee-free TAFE wasteful spending. Under Labor, TAFE, the backbone for training our tradies, including free TAFE, is here to stay.

See this speech in context