The Turnbull Liberal Government is ripping more than $100 million from its Industry Skills Fund – a massive blow to Victorian businesses.
The savage funding cut is hidden in today’s Mid-Year Economic Financial Outlook and will slash $119 million from the fund over the forward estimates.
The Andrews Labor Government is supporting industry through initiatives like the $50 million TAFE Back to Work Fund, $14 million for our new Industry Engagement Model and $8 million for the Victorian Skills Commissioner.
The Turnbull Government is hell-bent on destroying all links between training and industry, just like the Victorian Liberals did during their four years of mismanaging the training sector.
This isn’t the first training blunder the Turnbull Government has made – its multi-billion dollar VET FEE-HELP debacle caused a rapid decline in confidence in the sector, resulting in plummeting student numbers.
It has also failed to sign a new National Partnership Agreement with the states and territories, costing Victoria $130 million next financial year alone.
The Labor Government is working hand-in-hand with industry to make sure it has the skilled workforce it needs.
Our overhaul of Victoria’s training and TAFE system through Skills First will secure the future of TAFE and quality training and ensure Victorians have the right skills for the jobs of the future.
Through Skills First, we’re restoring quality to the training sector, investing in TAFE, and giving industry a voice in the courses that are funded.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“It’s absolutely shocking that the Turnbull Government is ripping $119 million from a fund that is meant to help both the training sector and industry.”
“Not only did the Turnbull Government botch its handling of VET FEE-HELP and fail to commit to ongoing National Partnerships funding, it won’t even fund vital training links with industry.”
“These Turnbull Liberal cuts mean fewer students will have access to the training industry wants and needs – which ultimately means students will struggle to find a job.”