Sharon Claydon (Newcastle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That this House:

(1) acknowledges and celebrates the exceptional achievements of Australia's Skillaroos who represented our nation at the 2024 WorldSkills competition in Lyon;

(2) recognises the dedication, skill, and passion of our Skillaroos exemplifies the highest standards of excellence in vocational education and training and demonstrates the incredible talent within our skilled workforce;

(3) commends the Government for its commitment to getting the best outcomes for Australians through improving access to vocational education and training, supporting quality training and putting TAFE back at the heart of the sector; and

(4) supports the Government as it continues to invest in the Australian people by prioritising training initiatives like Fee-Free TAFE.

I rise to speak to this motion celebrating the exceptional achievements of Australia's Skillaroos at the 2024 WorldSkills competition in Lyon this September. The WorldSkills competition brings together the brightest, most talented young tradespeople from around the globe to showcase their abilities. Whether in construction, engineering, IT or the creative industries, our Skillaroos stood shoulder to shoulder with the world's elite. The competition was fierce, but our team held their own with poise, resilience and a deep sense of pride in representing our country. The talent displayed by the Skillaroos on the international stage highlights how important it is to invest in their skills and trades. The Skillaroos are both a product and proof positive of the strengths of our vocational education and training sector—when properly supported.

The Albanese Labor government's commitment to strengthening VET enables our young people to excel. Australia prides itself on being a nation that offers opportunities for all, yet, for too long, the cost of education has been a barrier for many young people and for those wanting to upskill later in life. TAFE, the backbone of our vocational system, has been a critical pathway for Australians seeking meaningful careers in critical industries like health care, construction, aged care, IT and the trades. However, the rising costs of fees have made that pathway out of reach for far too many.

The Labor government's fee-free TAFE has already changed the lives of more than 500,000 Australians, providing cost-of-living relief and a pathway to well-paid, secure employment. Labor has a bill that will now legislate 100,000 free TAFE places each and every year. That's making our free TAFE a permanent feature nationwide in the VET sector. This ongoing investment from the Albanese Labor government will offer greater certainty to students, employers, industry, as well as state and territory governments. We want our TAFE and VET sectors to be able to respond to the challenges and seize the opportunities, shaping Australia's society, economy and environment.

That's why Labor is establishing a net zero manufacturing centre of excellence in my electorate, at Tighes Hill TAFE. This centre will provide high-quality and responsive skills training in the clean manufacturing economy, upskilling our workforce so they can take full advantage of the opportunities that renewable manufacturing provides. Newcastle and the Hunter have a proud history of industry and manufacturing, making this the perfect place for a centre of excellence.

Our positive vision of TAFE and the VET sector stands in stark contrast to the coalition's abysmal record. When we came to office, it was clear that we inherited a massive skills challenge from those opposite. In 2022, the OECD reported that Australia had the second-highest labour shortage per capita among the OECD countries. With that kind of track record, you'd be thinking that the opposition were keen to make amends, but, unfortunately, they've refused to back the Albanese Labor government's legislation for free TAFE places. Their own shadow minister has labelled the transformational policy as wasteful spending. Under the leadership of the Albanese Labor government, free TAFE is just one example of how we're putting people first.

We believe in a fairer Australia, where everyone has a fair chance to succeed, and where opportunity is not determined by the size of your bank account, but rather by your own hard work. Investing in a strong vocational education and training sector enables our apprentices and tradespeople to shine both at home and abroad. Skills drive the future of young people and the future of our nation. This is a belief that the Albanese Labor government and WorldSkills share. Australia is proud of our Skillaroos, who represented our world-class vocational training on the global stage. This next generation of skilled Australians is building the Australia of the future.

I must say how delighted the Prime Minister and I were to meet one of the recipients of a medal from that WorldSkills competition when we launched the centre of excellence in net zero manufacturing at Tighes Hill TAFE just a couple of weeks ago. That young man was full of pride and so excited about the bright, prosperous future for him and all of his colleagues at TAFE under an Albanese Labor government.

Andrew Wilkie (Clark, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Is the motion seconded?

Alison Byrnes (Cunningham, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I second the motion and reserve my right to speak.

Andrew Wallace (Fisher, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I love vocational education. I can say that because I was a carpenter and joiner and always will be. I was a builder—always will be—before I retrained as a barrister. I remember with some fondness my apprenticeship. For those who have done an apprenticeship, that would probably bring a smile to your face. It is an education, and Peter Mahoney, if you're ever watching this or listening to this, thank you for your guidance for nearly four years and your—shall we say—instructions. I'm a big fan of vocational education and training, I wouldn't be the person I am today but for Holmesglen College of TAFE, and I am a big fan of TAFE. I'm not afraid to say that, and I'll talk a little bit about that in a moment.

I'm really pleased to be able to celebrate the Australian Skillaroos, who've returned from the 47th WorldSkills competition. In September, Australia's best young skilled apprentices and trainees took on 86 other countries, competing for the title of the world's most skilled country. We saw trainees and apprentices in carpentry, plumbing, cybersecurity, fashion design, baking and so many other fields, showcasing their expertise and the strength of Australia's vocational training sector. Congratulations to all competitors, coaches and supporters; you did Australia proud.

It's that sector which myself and members of this side of the house have fought for. The coalition handed the Albanese government a skills and training system not just trending up but powering ahead, thanks to years of strong economic leadership and future-focused investment. We invested over $13 billion in skills over the final two years of government alone, representing the most significant reforms to vocational training in over a decade. Trade apprentices in training hit record highs in the final months of the coalition government, reaching 429,000 apprentices and trainees in training and 277,900 commencements as at June 2022.

We were upskilling Australians to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future, but let's take a look at the government's record in comparison. On current measures, we still need 130,000 skilled trade workers to get the construction workforce to where it needs to be. This gap is worsening, with a collapse in construction apprenticeship completions of 8.6 per cent and a collapse in commencements of nearly 12 per cent. Since Labor took office, Australia has had 85,000 fewer apprentices and trainees. That's a loss of one in five. Almost all the gains the coalition made in building up Australia's skills pipeline have been squandered in just two and a half years.

Now, through the fee-free TAFE policy, Labor are trying to put all their eggs in one basket, directing funds to just one section of the training sector—at the expense of the private sector—and rejecting the industry-based private training industry, just like they did last time. And for what? Labor's own data shows that just 13 per cent of fee-free TAFE students have completed their programs to date. That means there are just as many people dropping out as there are graduating. Also, questioning of departmental officials at Senate estimates uncovered that there has been no performance review of fee-free TAFE and that a performance review will not be completed until June 2025. This means that Labor are committing to permanently funding a $1.5 billion program without knowing if it's even working effectively. This is just another example of Labor blowing taxpayers' money on policy thought bubbles and avoiding transparency for their failures.

In the final few seconds that I've got to speak, I want to send a big shout-out to anybody who is thinking, as they're finishing school, 'Do I do a trade, or do I go to uni?' These are really important decisions that you're making right now, but I want you to know that if you do an Australian trade—I don't want to give an ironclad guarantee—

you will virtually always have work. Australian trades are highly respected around the world. You can work in London. You can work in just about every other country. Our skills and our trades are highly respected, and they are well paid—even better than many people who are coming out of university. You don't have to go to university; you can get a trade. (Time expired)

Alison Byrnes (Cunningham, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The WorldSkills competition brings together the most talented vocational students and apprentices from across the globe to showcase their skill, precision and passion for their chosen field. Twenty-nine young and incredibly talented Australians represented our country in September and competed at WorldSkills in Lyon, France. Our Skillaroos were put through their paces and earned their green and gold through a series of regional competitions and a national championship series. The Illawarra was a stand-out region, with four representatives honing their skills on the world stage: Michael Bowen, Joseph Cramp, Ethan Everett and Hannah Gerritsen.

First up, Michael Bowen represented Australia in industrial mechanics. Michael's journey into industrial mechanics started at a TAFE open day, where a display sparked his curiosity for understanding how things work. He quickly honed his practical skills and deepened his knowledge of mechanical systems through home based education, which focused on a more hands-on approach to learning. Michael was driven by a passion to not only showcase his skills but also learn from peers around the world and strengthen his understanding of the field.

For our second contestant, Joseph Cramp, his journey into construction steelwork was influenced by both his father, who was a mechanic, and his metalwork classes in high school. Encouraged by his TAFE teacher to participate in WorldSkills, Joseph embraced the opportunity, which led to a rapid growth in his skills. He dedicated significant time to training, balancing full-time work with intensive practice sessions. With the guidance and support of his mentors and family, he was able to manage full-time work and the intense training required to compete on the world stage.

The next two incredibly talented people not only represented the Illawarra but also proudly flew the flag for our electorate of Cunningham. Ethan Everett's passion for bricklaying is deeply rooted in his family, with his father serving as a seasoned WorldSkills judge and volunteer. Transitioning from school to an apprenticeship, Ethan found his true calling through hands-on experience, supported by a network of family and his employer. Ethan's dedication to excellence was evident when he secured gold at the national competition. He was mentored by Andrew Hosking, who instilled the philosophy to fight for every single millimetre. With this philosophy, Ethan obtained a Medallion for Excellence. The Medallion for Excellence is awarded to competitors who achieve scores above a global benchmark, indicating that Ethan's skills are among the best in the world. Ethan aspires to become a WorldSkills ambassador, inspiring young tradespeople to pursue their passions with similar determination to his.

Last but not least, Hannah Gerritsen represented us in hairdressing. Hannah developed a passion for hairdressing watching online tutorials, and her very supportive friends and family let her practice the techniques she watched. Due to the unwavering support of her employer along with her TAFE teacher, Hannah gained greater confidence in her abilities and took the French competition by storm. Despite facing scepticism for choosing an apprenticeship over traditional schooling, Hannah remained focused and improved her abilities, drawing on strength from her parents and industry mentors. She values the deep connection she gets to form with clients, appreciating the trust they place in her craft and the solace they find in her company. Hannah was a cut above the rest and claimed a Medallion for Excellence for her exceptional work during the competition in Lyon.

To Michael, Joseph, Ethan and Hannah, congratulations on representing our country and our region so proudly. The success of all of our Skillaroos not only highlights the incredible skill and dedication of these young Australians but also emphasises the critical importance of vocational education and training in our country. It is through initiatives like these that we have seen the true value of investing in vocational education, ensuring that we have a skilled workforce capable of driving our economy forward.

That's why the Albanese Labor government is committed to supporting TAFE and expanding opportunities for Australians through vocational education. We have already delivered on our commitment of 500,000 fee-free TAFE places, and now a re-elected Albanese Labor government will continue this investment with a further 100,000 fee-free places made available each and every year. By making TAFE more accessible, we are not only supporting individuals but also addressing critical skill shortages in industries that are vital to Australia's future. Congratulations, Michael, Joseph, Ethan and Hannah.

Dan Tehan (Wannon, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Getting vocational education right is critically important because it can change lives. I want to acknowledge some of the young people who through vocational education are doing outstanding things, and they are being recognised locally. Then what I want to do is talk about an area where sadly, if we don't see an investment in vocational education, we are going to see medical services across Australia—in particular, in south-west Victoria—suffer.

But, first, let's have a look at the positive. Kasey Smith, an electrotechnology apprentice, was named the Apprentice of the Year at South West TAFE's annual trade awards night on 24 October. Well done, Kasey. More than 260 people attended the awards night to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of students across automotive, carpentry, cabinet-making, electrical, engineering and plumbing trades. As I said, Kasey was the overall winner, employed by Bega Group in Koroit, one of our large dairy manufacturers. South West TAFE chief executive officer Mark Fidge said that it was very important to recognise the skills of these students in the region. 'Awards like these highlight the amazing things our trade students and their employers are doing in our own communities,' he said.

Other major award winners included the Automotive Apprentice of the Year, Dominic Knuckey Holswich, so well done to Dominic. The Carpentry Apprentice of the Year went to Lachlan King. Well done to Lachlan. It was fantastic to see that Fabrication Engineering Apprentice of the Year went to Barry Powell. Jakeb Jones got the Mechanical Engineering Apprentice of the Year, and the Plumbing Apprentice of the Year went to Brad Williams from South West Roofing in Warrnambool. So, to all those award winners, a huge thank you.

That brings me to the next issue, and that is an issue which I have created a petition on. I will be sending this petition to the petitions office. What it does is recognise that if we don't see further vocational funding for dermatology services in regional and rural Australia then, sadly, we're going to see services in those areas begin to diminish. WPRS Dermatology in my electorate is one of only two accredited dermatology training places in a regional setting. However, the high costs associated with establishing, employing and supporting trainees means that they can no longer privately fund these positions unless there is additional funding provided. The provision of STP funding, which is used to do this, has already improved dermatology services in south-west Victoria. What WPRS is urging the minister for health to do is to formally request the department direct the Australasian College of Dermatologists to redistribute STP funding to support regional positions in 2025 and beyond, because, without this funding, our regional training positions will be at risk, leading to even longer wait times for patients and jeopardising the overall sustainability of the services that WPRS offers due to burnout and fatigue experienced by our consultant specialists.

I ask the government to look seriously at this issue, and this petition—which I'll be giving to the petition office—is signed by 76 doctors and has a total of 609 signatures on it. So there is full recognition that this is an incredibly important issue in particular by the medical specialists themselves. I ask the government and I ask the minister for health to, please, look at this issue, and in particular, say to the Australasian College of Dermatologists: 'You have to redistribute this STP funding in a way that also supports regional positions.' We cannot have all our dermatology services in our capital cities. We've got to make sure that they're accessible right across our nation and particularly in south-west Victoria.

Tracey Roberts (Pearce, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Newcastle for bringing this motion forward. I'd like to acknowledge and honour the remarkable accomplishments of Australia's Skillaroos, who represented our country at the 2024 WorldSkills competition in Lyon, France. This prestigious event is not just a competition; it is a showcase of talent, skill and dedication that reflects the very best of what Australia has to offer on the global stage.

The Skillaroos, a team of 32 talented young apprentices and trainees, embarked on this journey with passion and commitment. They competed against over 1,500 participants from 75 countries in a variety of fields, including plumbing, carpentry, baking, cybersecurity and fashion design. Their hard work culminated in an impressive performance that saw Australia ranked 14th out of 59 countries and earning a bronze medallion in welding along with 14 medallions for excellence.

This achievement is a testament not only to their individual talents but also to the rigorous training and preparation they underwent to reach this level of excellence. The dedication, skill and passion exhibited by our Skillaroos exemplify the high standards of vocational education and training in Australia. These young individuals have shown us that hard work and determination can achieve greatness. Their success at the WorldSkills competition highlights the incredible talent within our skilled workforce—talent that is crucial for driving innovation and economic growth in our country.

It is essential to recognise that these achievements do not happen in isolation. They are the result of a robust vocational education system that nurtures young talent. The Skillaroos have benefited from quality training programs that equip them with the skills needed to excel in their respective fields. This is a clear indication of the importance of investing in vocational education, as it lays a foundation for future successes.

As we celebrate these achievements, we must also commend the Albanese Labor government for its unwavering commitment to improving access to vocational education and training. By prioritising initiatives such as fee-free TAFE, we are ensuring that all Australians have the opportunity to pursue their passions without financial barriers. This initiative is vital for creating a skilled workforce that meets the demands of our evolving economy. The Albanese Labor government's focus on putting TAFE back at the heart of our vocational education system is a step in the right direction. TAFE institutions play a crucial role in providing high-quality training that prepare students for real-world challenges. By supporting these institutions, we are not only investing in individual futures but also fostering a culture of excellence that benefits our entire community.

As we look ahead, it is imperative that we continue to support the government's efforts to invest in our people through training initiatives. The Skillaroos have demonstrated what can be achieved when we harness talent and provide opportunities for growth. It is our responsibility to ensure that future generations have access to similar pathways. We must advocate for ongoing investment in vocational education and training programs that empower young Australians. By prioritising initiatives like fee-free TAFE, we can create an inclusive environment where everyone has the chance to succeed. This commitment will not only benefit individuals but also strengthen our economy by cultivating a skilled workforce ready to meet future challenges.

Let us take this moment to celebrate the exceptional achievements of Australia's Skillaroos at the 2024 WordSkills competition. Their dedication serves as an inspiration to us all, a reminder of what can be accomplished through hard work, passion and commitment to excellence. Let us also recognise the vital role of vocational education and training in shaping our future. Together, we will support initiatives that empower young Australian to pursue their dreams without barriers. By investing in our people today, we are securing a brighter tomorrow for all Australians.

Libby Coker (Corangamite, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It's such a privilege to stand in support of this motion from the member for Newcastle to celebrate our awesome Skillaroos. For me, it's particularly exciting given that one of the Skillaroos is from my electorate of Corangamite in Victoria. Trey McAuley is a carpenter from Bannockburn studying at Gordon TAFE. He has amazing talent, and I'm so proud that he had the opportunity to represent our country at the WorldSkills games in Lyon, France, earlier this year. Trey represented Australia alongside 28 other young Australians at the largest international skills competition in WorldSkills history, with more than 1,400 competitors and 1,300 experts from over 70 countries taking part. Competing to be the best in your field can be stressful, but, according to the team at Gordon TAFE, if there's anyone who knows how to keep cool in a high-pressure environment it's Trey. Trey said in a recent interview:

Being a volunteer firefighter and serving my community have really shaped me as a person and helped me to be my best while competing at WorldSkills.

The WorldSkills competition showcases Australian vocational education and training internationally and puts centre stage the government's mission to continue strengthening our world-class VET sector. The Skillaroos are the product and walking proof of the strengths of our VET sector. They demonstrate the life-changing benefits of TAFE for so many Australians, like Trey. That's why the Albanese government is continuing its investment in the skills that Australia needs to drive economic growth, address workplace shortages and provide pathways for more people to pursue a career as a tradie, carer or IT professional.

It's why we've introduced the Free TAFE Bill. The bill will ensure free TAFE is a national and enduring program. Ongoing free TAFE will offer greater certainty to students, employers and industry. It's what our communities have been calling for, and it's what the Albanese government is delivering. Free TAFE is targeting the sectors that desperately need skilled workers. It's growing from strength to strength every day, giving young people and those wanting to transition access to new skills and to gaining accreditation. Fee-free TAFE started in January 2023 and it's exceeded all expectations, with more than 508,000 enrolments, including 131,000 in care, including disability and aged care, 48,900 in digital and tech, 35,000 in construction and 35,500 in early childhood education and care. This is groundbreaking and the result shows fee-free TAFE is particularly benefiting Australians from priority cohorts, with over 170,000 young Australians, 124,000 jobseekers and 30,000 First Nations Australians enrolling in the program. For all fee-free TAFE places, six in 10 have been taken up by women. One in three are based in regional or remote Australia. Almost 90 per cent of fee-free TAFE courses are full qualifications at the certificate III level and above. These courses take longer to complete, as long as three years for full-time study and more for those who elect to study part time.

The Albanese government's 2024-25 budget delivers $600 million in measures to bolster skills growth and development in the clean energy, industry, construction and manufacturing sectors as well as support apprentices and break down barriers for women in male dominated industries. This includes $91 million over five years in the budget to help skill the new energy workforce to transition to net zero, $90 million over three years to help skill the housing and construction workforce, $55 million over four years for building women's career programs and $265 million over four years to target support under the Australian apprenticeship incentives scheme.

In closing, TAFE serves as a cornerstone of opportunity, a catalyst for personal growth and a foundation for better, brighter futures for so many young Australians right across our nation. Our government recognises this. It's why we're backing free TAFE, and it's why we're backing young aspirational Australians, like Trey, to be the leaders of our nation's future workforce.

Debate adjourned.