Australians will be able to access 100,000 fee-free TAFE places annually, one of several education reforms pledged under a re-elected federal Labor Government, the Prime Minister said in Adelaide on Sunday. Source: The Advertiser.
Addressing a cheering crowd of Labor supporters, Anthony Albanese launched the federal election campaign with a series of education-focused election commitments.
“Our Government will lock in free TAFE and make it permanent nationwide. We will legislate to guarantee 100,000 fee-free places, each and every year,” he said.
Accompanied by Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Defence Minister Richard Marles and Premier Peter Malinauskas, Mr Albanese unveiled the party’s election slogan – Building Australia’s Future – and vision at the rally in the knife-edge Liberal-held inner city seat of Sturt.
Formally announcing a series of education reforms, Mr Albanese touted education as “the most powerful weapon we have against disadvantage” and “the best investment we can make in building Australia’s future”.
Mr Albanese said a government move to legislate 100,000 free TAFE places annually from 2027 would mean more tradies to build more homes, more carers and more training opportunities for Australians.
It follows earlier efforts with state and territory governments to delivered 180,000 free places in 2023 and 300,000 places over three years from 2024.
In addition to TAFE funding, Mr Albanese said the government was doubling the number of university hubs in the regions and suburbs.
He also formally announced plans to wipe out 20 per cent of student debt and increase the threshold to start repayment student loans.
FULL STORY
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces fee-free TAFE, HECS debt relief in Adelaide Sunday to launch Federal Election campaign (By Natalie Vikhrov, The Advertiser)
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