House debates Questions without Notice
Vocational Education and Training
Tanya Plibersek Sydney, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Education and Training
2:44 pm
My question is to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister said, 'We really want to lift the status of vocational education in Australia.' But the Prime Minister cut TAFE and training funding by $326 million in just one year. Why does the Prime Minister keep saying things that just aren't true?
Scott Morrison Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
The member would be aware that funding for TAFE is provided by the states and territories—
Tanya Plibersek Sydney, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Education and Training
This is federal funding.
Scott Morrison Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
As the member would know, funding for TAFE is provided by state and territory governments, and they make all decisions about how much they're funded by. The member can't come and simply say things that aren't true. It was the member who was part of a government that cut funding for the apprenticeship scheme, ripping money out of apprentice incentives in this country, which ensured that those who were looking for apprentices couldn't get the support. The member for Sydney is a serial offender at coming and making smears at the dispatch box about things she knows to be untrue.
Tony Smith Speaker
Has the Prime Minister concluded his answer? The Prime Minister has concluded his answer. The member for Sydney is seeking to table a document, I think.
Tanya Plibersek Sydney, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Education and Training
I seek leave to table the report from the NCVER that shows $325.8 million, a 10.6 per cent decrease in Commonwealth funding to TAFE and training.
Leave not granted.