East Gippsland students will continue to benefit from Free TAFE, with the State Government moving to enshrine the program in law.
Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle
Tierney announced a Bill to amend the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, ensuring
the Free TAFE Guarantee is protected for
the long term.
Since its introduction in 2019, Free TAFE has supported more than 225,300 students across Victoria, saving them over $727 million in tuition fees – an average of more than $3000 per student. The program has been particularly important for learners in regional areas, with more than 57,000 students outside Melbourne benefitting, alongside 67,200 students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Free TAFE aims to address workforce shortages in key industries, including construction, education, aged care and clean energy,
while making training more inclusive.
Women make up 59 per cent of all students enrolled under the program.
“This Bill will ensure future generations of Victorians can benefit from cost-of-living relief while preparing to join the skilled workforce
we need to meet Victoria’s goals,” Minister
Tierney said.
The Bill also delivers on a 2022 election promise to guarantee that 70 per cent of all government funding for vocational education and training will go to TAFE.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested $16 billion in Skills and TAFE, rebuilding the sector after cuts under the former Liberal government that saw more than 2000 TAFE teachers sacked, 22 campuses closed, and $1 billion stripped from the system.
“Only Labor Governments fully support TAFE. Free TAFE started in Victoria – and we will always protect it,” Minister Tierney said.
The legislation will safeguard Free TAFE and the opportunities it provides for students in Bairnsdale and across Victoria into the future.
