The Minns Labor Government must come clean on its plans for TAFE NSW after Budget Papers revealed a significant reduction in the value of TAFE’s property assets while former TAFE sites are being placed on the market.
Shadow Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Justin Clancy said the sale of the former St George TAFE site at 16–20 Hogben Street, Kogarah had raised serious questions about the Government’s long-term plans for the TAFE estate.
“At a time when New South Wales is crying out for more skilled workers, the Government should be explaining how it is strengthening TAFE, not quietly selling off TAFE land,” Mr Clancy said.
“The Budget Papers handed down last week show the value of TAFE NSW’s Property, Plant and Equipment falling from $5.66 billion in the revised 2025-26 estimates to $5.43 billion in 2026-27.”
“At the same time, a former TAFE property at Kogarah is being marketed for sale on behalf of the NSW Government.”
Member for Oatley Mark Coure said the proposed sale was creating uncertainty for the local community.
“People want to know what the Government’s plan is. If TAFE sites are being sold, the community deserves transparency about why they’re being sold, what the proceeds will be used for and how vocational education in our region will be strengthened as a result,” Mr Coure said.
“TAFE has served our community for generations. Any decision affecting these sites should be open, transparent and focused on delivering better outcomes for students and local families.”
Mr Clancy said the questions raised by the Kogarah site reflected broader concerns about the future of the TAFE estate across New South Wales.
“These developments raise obvious questions. Is this an isolated sale, or part of a broader strategy to reduce the TAFE estate? How many other former or current TAFE properties are earmarked for disposal? And will every dollar raised be reinvested back into TAFE?”
Mr Clancy said the Government owed students, staff and communities greater transparency.
“Communities invest in TAFE over generations. They rightly expect that if a TAFE asset is sold, the proceeds will be reinvested into vocational education and training.”
“The Government cannot claim to be backing skills while the TAFE asset base is shrinking, and communities are left wondering what comes next.”
Mr Clancy said he would be seeking answers from the Government on the extent of any planned property disposals and the future of the TAFE estate.
“New South Wales needs a stronger TAFE network to support the next generation of skilled workers. The Government should be investing in TAFE’s future, not creating uncertainty about its assets.”
Skip to content