Tabatha Badger | Lead Candidate for Lyons
The Tasmanian Greens have always been future-focused and long-championed a Tasmania that is clean, connected and ready for the changes ahead.
Today we announce initiatives to ensure Tasmania’s workforce is future-ready and can meet the needs of the energy and transport revolution that will inevitably come.
“Course fees are the greatest barrier to completing vocational training for Tasmanians from disadvantaged backgrounds, which is why the Greens commit to investing $16 million a year to ensure TAFE is free. This will open opportunities previously denied to many young Tasmanians and offer them well-paid careers in the industries of the future.
“To make this happen, we also need to expand what’s on offer and invest in new courses that meet the needs of growing and changing industries. That’s why the Greens will push to establish up to 20 new courses specialising in the installation and maintenance of renewable energy infrastructure, so Tasmanians can fully engage in and benefit from the renewable energy revolution.
“To drive uptake of renewable energy industry education, the Greens will fight to fund scholarship payments of $2000 for 500 applicants. This will help deliver the grid engineers, environmental assessment professionals, solar PV designers, power plant and control room operators and keep Tasmanian renewable project jobs on the island, for Tasmanians.
“Electric vehicle uptake is accelerating and to maintain the EV fleet – and the safety of all road users – Tasmania needs a suite of mechanics and technicians. The Greens will push to establish a Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology at TasTAFE to give young Tasmanians the opportunity to help drive EV uptake and maintenance. To help with uptake, the Greens propose an exemption from business payroll tax for businesses employing EV mechanic apprentices.
“Tasmanians deserve the chance to lead the charge as the world transitions in energy and transport, our community deserves the first choice of future industries employment opportunities and the Greens have a plan to give it to them. By creating a future-ready workforce, with training support and incentives, Tasmania and Tasmanians can reap the rewards of progress and be a steal ahead in the revolution that is coming.”
