New legislation has been introduced to make free TAFE permanent.

Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles, has introduced legislation to Parliament that would make the government’s Free TAFE scheme a permanent fixture in Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) system. 

The legislation, set to fund at least 100,000 Fee-Free TAFE places annually from 2027, aims to ensure more Australians can access critical job skills without financial barriers.

The Government’s existing partnerships with states and territories in 2023 delivered 180,000 Fee-Free TAFE places. 

Looking ahead, the government has committed to providing 300,000 fee-free spots over three years, starting in 2024, with another 20,000 reserved for construction and housing courses.

Projections show that nine out of ten new jobs over the next decade will require post-secondary qualifications, many through vocational education. 

The timing of the legislation coincides with the launch of a national campaign urging Australians - especially younger people - to consider vocational education pathways. 

The campaign, kicking off this weekend, highlights how TAFE and VET courses can address skills shortages across key industries and ensure qualifications in high-demand fields. 

“More than half a million Australians are gaining the skills they want and which we need to build Australia’s future,” said Giles. 

“We want more Australians to take advantage of the opportunities on offer.”

Not everyone is applauding the government’s recent move. 

Australian Greens Deputy Leader Senator Mehreen Faruqi has pushed Labor to follow through on another promise: student debt relief. 

“If Labor can introduce legislation for fee-free TAFE places today, why can’t they bring in a bill right now to fulfil their pledge to wipe some student debt?” said Faruqi, calling for urgent action to relieve financial pressures on students. 

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