The Federal Labor Government established Free TAFE two years ago. Since then, more than 500,000 people have enrolled in a Free TAFE course.
Almost half of the take-up has been in NSW, with 50,513 enrolments in the Aged Care and Disability sector, 13,103 enrolments in Early Childhood Education, and 10,831 enrolments in Construction.
The number of people with TAFE qualifications is far higher on the Central Coast than nationally, with 30.8% of people on the Central Coast holding a TAFE qualification compared to 25.5% nationally.
Free TAFE courses are offered across the trhree TAFE campuses in Gosford, Wyong and Ourimbah.
Last week the government introduced the Free TAFE Bill 2024 to make Fee-Free TAFE permanent and offer 100,000 places each year.
The Liberal Opposition have said they will oppose the legislation.
In her contribution, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley, said: “And remember this – and it’s a key principle and tenet of the Liberal Party – if you don’t pay for something, you don’t value it.”
McBride spoke in support of the Bill this week, as the Parliament sits late to pass legislation during the final sitting week of the year.
McBride and Reid joined fellow regional Labor MPs at a press conference to express concern that Free TAFE is at risk if the Liberals came to government.
Assistant Minister McBride, Member for Dobell said: “My Dad, Grant, was a TAFE teacher and my brother, Eddi, did his plumbing apprenticeship at Wyong TAFE, so I know the value of having a TAFE qualification and the difference it makes.
On the Central Coast TAFE has always been a reliable pathway to gaining the skills needed to find a secure job, while also filling local skills gaps and shortages.
“Peter Dutton needs to come to our community and tell the thousands of locals undertaking a Fee-Free TAFE course why he doesn’t think they deserve that opportunity.
Dr Gorton Reid, Member for Robertson said: “TAFE continues to be there for working families across the nation, and we must never underestimate the power of TAFE and the role that it plays in supporting young people to achieve their dreams.
“The federal Labor Government will continue to fight to maintain TAFE's position as the leading provider of vocational education and training across Australia, including our Free TAFE positions in critical areas of the economy.”
