Cassandra Fernando (Holt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Today I stand in strong support of this motion recognising the Albanese government's steadfast commitment to supporting apprentices and rebuilding our trade sector, addressing the crucial skill shortage created by the previous government neglecting investment in TAFE and trades as vital for our country's future. Many of us know that for everyday Australians real opportunity is far more than a talking point; it can be the difference between scraping by and setting a solid foundation for the future. I have lived that reality myself. Before I set foot in this chamber, I spent 15 years baking and stacking shelves, and it showed me what a genuine chance at training and a stable income can mean for a person's life.

When we took office, we inherited a TAFE system that had been neglected for over a decade. We also inherited a workforce sorely lacking in skilled tradespeople—a gap that was holding back our economy and denying Australians the chance to learn secure and rewarding skills. That's why we've made it a priority to invest in our trades and TAFE system. Through the National Skills Agreement, we are delivering a historic $12.6 billion investment to rebuild TAFE. This agreement, signed with states and territories, will provide 300,000 fee-free TAFE places in areas in critical need, including aged care, child care and the digital economy.

We've also made free TAFE permanent because we believe that every Australian deserves the opportunity to gain the skills they need to build a better future. Free TAFE has already helped over 355,000 Australians access training since its introduction. Making it permanent ensures that this opportunity will be available for generations to come. We are guaranteeing 100,000 new TAFE places focused on areas of national skill shortage each and every year going forward. This is to ensure more Australians can access quality training in areas where we need skilled workers most.

In my electorate of Holt, I've spoken to apprentices forced to juggle two jobs just to keep their training going. Some told me they had to pull out of their apprenticeships altogether when the cost of daily life—rent, bills, travel—became way too expensive. That's why we are introducing the housing construction apprenticeship program. This will provide a $10,000 incentive to apprentices in residential construction trades. This means that someone who wants to become a plumber or a bricklayer will have extra support. We will also increase the allowance for apprentices who live away from home—the first significant increase in over 20 years. This boost is necessary to support tradies to finish their courses. This means better support for the workers we need to keep building homes and to address the housing shortage.

Labor are taking these measures because we know we need a strong TAFE sector to build our country's future, to revitalise our manufacturing sector and to start making things right here in this country, and to build the homes our country needs for the future. By lifting our apprentices, we are also lifting up the families and local businesses that rely on their income and expertise. For too long, the Liberals have neglected our trades sector. While they call free TAFE 'wasteful spending', they are more than happy for the government to fund billions for corporate lunches. This really shows their priorities. Labor knows a strong trades sector means a strong economy. A strong economy means more opportunities for all Australians. Unlike the Liberals, Labor will never take our TAFE sector for granted.

I want to conclude by acknowledging the dedication of the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese; the Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles; and Brendan O'Connor for driving these reforms.

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