Today marks a national agreement between the Albanese and Allan Labor Governments that will unlock billions of dollars to build the skills and prosperity of Victoria.
The landmark five-year ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Skills Agreement (NSA) – which will take effect from January next year – was developed under principles agreed by ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Cabinet, and will embed national cooperation and strategic investment into Victoria’s TAFE and training sector.
The Albanese Government is prepared to invest up to $3.15 billion to expand access to Victoria’s VET sector, which will support quality training, and address critical skills needs. This investment will further strengthen Victoria’s existing investment of over $4 billion into the sector since 2014.
With Victoria expected to experience significant workforce growth over the next five years, the NSA will provide investment into training, infrastructure, and initiatives to uplift participation.
The NSA places TAFE at the heart of the sector reform, with the agreement including significant baseline funding commitments. In addition, Victoria will receive a $105 million extension to the Free TAFE funding arrangements, securing an additional 62,800 Free TAFE places for Victorian students over the next three years.
This builds on the Allan Labor Government’s existing commitment to Free TAFE, including the lifting of eligibility requirements which means all Victorians can access tuition-free training across more than 80 courses in priority areas, even if they already hold a separate qualification.
³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ly, the $12.6 billion investment by the Commonwealth includes an extra $2.4 billion in flexible funding to support State and Territory skills sectors with capacity to deliver skills for critical and emerging industries. Priorities include:
Clean energy and Net Zero transformation of the economy.
Australia’s sovereign capability, including advanced manufacturing skills, national security, food security and construction.
Care and support services.
Ensuring Australia’s digital and technology capability.
Additional major reforms will include the establishment of nationally networked TAFE Centres of Excellence involving partnerships between TAFEs, universities, Jobs and Skills Councils and industry.
In a historic first, a new ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Stewardship model will coordinate investment in skills across the country to address national priority areas, while also providing States and Territories with flexibility to meet local industry skills needs.
It is a significant shift away from the short- term, transactional working relationships of the past decade, with a new ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Stewardship approach on skills providing the nation with a framework for cooperation across state borders and across national and State and Territory priorities.
As stated by Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor
“This landmark agreement will kickstart real change, with the NSA heralding a new era for training and education and provides an exciting opportunity for Victorians to equip themselves with the skills to work in high quality employment for their future.”
“I’d like to thank my colleague Gayle Tierney for her genuine cooperation in looking to rebuild national vocational education and training, with TAFE at its heart.”
“By working in partnership with states and territories through a new ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Stewardship approach, we are building a system that is greater than the sum of its parts.”
As stated by Victorian Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
“We have signed on to the new ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Skills Agreement because the Victorian Government believes our shared national vision for TAFE and skills will build a stronger future for Victoria.”
“The Agreement includes crucial measures for Victoria including additional funding for TAFE Centres of Excellence and working together to tackle the skills needs of our fastest growing industries.”
“With more opportunities for Victorians, we’re making sure everyone has access to the training they need for the job they want.”
