Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

(—) (): The Albanese Labor government understands the life-changing benefits of vocational education and training to create good, secure jobs and to address skills shortages. Unlike what we saw from the former government—cutting TAFE and cutting training opportunities, until it was all too late—the Albanese Labor government is serious about building the skills of our workforce so that people have the opportunity to take on the jobs of the future. Australia's vocational education and training sector already contributes significantly to our naval shipbuilding and sustainment sector, providing diverse skills requirements ranging from complex engineering and design roles, and project management and logistics roles, through to highly advanced technician and trade roles. Our delivery of 180,000 fee-free TAFE and VET places in 2023 is further supporting this. The Albanese Labor government is investing in our greatest resource—our people. Our fee-free TAFE places will provide training opportunities, particularly focusing on priority groups; they'll increase workforce participation and address skills gaps in the economy. (Time expired)