Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

This year, the Australian government will provide around $6 billion to support vocational education and training. This includes $1.8 billion to the states and territories, of which New South Wales receives $585 million to fund its training systems, including TAFE. The operation of TAFEs, including where TAFEs are located, is a matter for the relevant state or territory governments. I am advised by the New South Wales government that this motion refers to a leaked New South Wales document that identifies 27 TAFE assets for potential sale. Eighteen of these assets are not campuses; they are vacant surplus land and buildings. It would not be responsible of any government to hold onto unused vacant assets when they could otherwise be put to use on behalf of the community.

The transfer of Crows Nest TAFE to the New South Wales Department of Education is a direct response to the need for a new school in the Northern Sydney area. There has been little opposition to the Crows Nest TAFE transfer from the people of the region. They, I understand, welcome the news that they have a new school to send their kids to.

Question agreed to.