August 2023 – Page 3

NSW Government unlocks additional housing supply in Bega

The NSW Government is planning to transform underutilised government land at Bega’s former TAFE site into a new 97 dwelling diverse housing project with 30% of the homes to include much-needed social and affordable housing.

A new Bega TAFE facility was opened in late 2021, meaning there will be no impact on tertiary education in the area as a consequence of this acquisition.

This is part of the government’s plan to help ease the ongoing housing crisis by unlocking surplus government land that can be repurposed to create more housing supply across the state.

The NSW Government is today announcing:

Subject to planning approval, almost 8 ha of NSW Government-owned land at Barrack Street in Bega, already zoned for residential use will be redeveloped by NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) to provide about 97 new social, affordable, and private homes.
The mixed tenure development proposes to deliver approximately 8 affordable homes, 65 private homes and 24 social homes, including a 20-unit complex specifically designed for senior social housing residents to meet the needs of this growing cohort of the community.
It will create a modern, diverse community that is close to key amenities and deliver new infrastructure including, roads and footpaths that deliver positive social and economic outcomes for the Bega community.

Bega is currently experiencing a housing shortage with the social housing priority waitlist increasing 56% in the 12 months to June 2023.

Bega also has one of the lowest rental vacancy rates in all of NSW at just 0.24%.

The NSW Government is committed to easing the housing pressures faced across NSW and has already taken immediate action including:

Implemented planning reforms to expedite the delivery of more housing as building more homes is essential to reducing homelessness.
Extended temporary accommodation from an initial period of 2 days to 7 days.
Removed the 28-day cap ensuring vulnerable people are able to access support when they need it most.
Increased the cash assets limit from $1000 to $5000 when assessing eligibility for temporary accommodation.
Removed the cash asset limit assessment entirely for people escaping domestic and family violence.
Extended Specialist Homelessness Services contracts for 2 years, to 30 June 2026.
Appointed a rental commissioner to work with us in designing and implementing changes that rebalance the rental market, making it fairer and more modern.
Put a 12-month freeze on the requirement for people in temporary accommodation to complete a rental diary, while the scheme is reviewed.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“We have a housing crisis in NSW and it is on all of us to work together to address the challenges.

“Part of that challenge is the lack of supply.

“Today’s announcement is an important step towards unlocking supply to deliver housing relief in regional NSW.”

Deputy Premier and Minister Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Prue Car said:

“There is a shared responsibility across government to tackle our housing crisis and we will continue to identify government-owned land, including former TAFE sites, that help meet that demand. It is an opportunity to transform these sites into crucial housing.

“We would never reduce access to education facilities to deliver this. The NSW Government has already opened the Connected Learning Centre and a Multi Trades Hub in Bega managed by TAFE NSW.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“The scale of the challenge to resolve the housing crisis across the state is massive so if there’s an opportunity to deliver more housing, especially social and affordable homes – we will take it.

“There are simply not enough houses for the people who live and work here. We welcome innovative solutions to deliver more housing and will continue to work across the board to find more opportunities just like this one.

“This development will also create a senior’s living complex, which will provide fit-for-purpose social housing for our aging community. These modern homes will include well-located 1- and 2-bedroom units, will be easier to maintain and more economical to run.

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said:

“Bega has one of the lowest rental vacancy rates in the state and as the social housing waitlist continues to increase, we must do everything we can to support the Bega community and part of that work means delivering more homes.

“Not only will the development deliver more housing, it will also create 55 more local jobs during its construction.”

Website launched to raise community awareness of coercive control in domestic violence

A new website on coercive control has been launched by the NSW Government to help raise awareness and educate the public about this abuse, which is a known precursor to domestic violence deaths.

Attorney General Michael Daley said the website provides information to broaden the public’s understanding of coercive control in current or former intimate partner relationships.

It provides accurate descriptions and examples of coercive control and includes information about what the legislative reforms mean, who they apply to, how to recognise patterns in behaviour that could lead to this abuse and where and how to seek help.

“The Domestic Violence Death Review Team found that about 97% of intimate partner domestic violence homicides in NSW between 2000 and 2018 were preceded by coercive control where the perpetrator used emotional and psychological abuse towards the victim,” Attorney General Daley said.

“And on average, 1 woman is killed in Australia every 10 dayslaunch by an intimate partner.

“It is for this reason that the NSW Parliament passed the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Act 2022launch to criminalise coercive control in current and former intimate partner relationships.”

These new laws will come into effect in 2024 and, if found guilty, perpetrators can face up to a maximum of 7 years in prison.

Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said there is very poor understanding of what coercive control is in the community.

“Independent research commissioned by the Department of Communities and Justice found that while 2 in 5 people claimed to know what coercive control means, only 1 in 5 could correctly identify at least 1 aspect of coercive control,” Minister Harrison said.

“Coercive control is a pattern of behavior used against an intimate partner that impedes on their freedom and liberty, and can include controlling the way they dress, who they communicate with and even their access to finances.

“It is behaviour designed to exercise domination and control over another, and can be hard to spot because it can be deeply contextual.

“Coercive control laws will have a profound impact on the way that our justice system assesses and manages domestic violence cases come 2024, and the government is now making sure people recognise the signs and know what it is.”

Women’s Community Shelters CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM said the website is critical to providing people with accurate information so they can spot the signs of coercive control in their own or others’ relationships.

“While some coercive and controlling behaviours can seem minor on their own, when they’re repeated or continuous, they can cause serious harm to the victim, affecting a person’s sense of safety and independence, and making them feel trapped, powerless and alone,” Ms Daniel said.

“A history of coercive and controlling behaviours in a relationship is also a known precursor for intimate partner homicide. So, if anyone is worried about coercive control in their own, or someone else’s relationship, please know, there is help.”

If you are experiencing or know of someone who is experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECTlaunch 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

To learn more, visit the coercive control website.

$3 BILLION REWIRING THE NATION DEAL TO POWER WA JOBS AND GROWTH

The Albanese and Cook Governments have signed a landmark agreement to power the next stage of Western Australia’s growth with affordable and more secure renewable energy.

The Commonwealth-Western Australia Rewiring the Nation deal will bolster WA’s energy security by expanding and modernising electricity grids in Perth, the South West, as well as in the North West Pilbara region.

The Albanese Government will provide up to $3 billion through concessional loans and equity investments to WA through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) to new builds and major upgrades to transmission in the state’s major electricity grids – the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) and the North West Interconnected System (NWIS).

Priority projects in these grids were identified through WA’s demand assessment processes, with recent Australian Energy Market Operator modelling supporting the need for sustained investment in transmission infrastructure in the SWIS.

An investment of this scale is expected to support around 1,800 construction jobs and unlock future projects across WA, helping to empower regional communities.

The SWIS is WA’s main electricity network and serves more than 1.1 million residential and business customers in Perth and across the South West. It starts north in Kalbarri, runs through Perth down to Albany in the south and extends to Kalgoorlie in the east.

This deal will finance priority projects across the SWIS to increase the supply of renewable energy and connect it into the grid by plugging in renewable generation hubs.

Initial modelling suggests that in 20 years’ time, the SWIS grid will need to have up to five times more electricity than is available today as new industrial users connect to the grid.

Investing in new energy grid projects will ensure the SWIS remains fit-for-purpose and ensure cleaner, affordable and more reliable energy for West Australians into the future.

The Pilbara’s NWIS consists of largely standalone networks owned by private companies and public entities with only a very small proportion (less than two per cent) of electricity generated from renewables.

This agreement will support more renewable energy in the NWIS, while ensuring existing infrastructure upgrades are coordinated between industries and governments.

This Rewiring the Nation deal builds on the momentum of the Pilbara Industry Roundtable, a significant WA Government-led initiative, which included some of the state’s major resources companies.

It will unlock economic development and speed up decarbonisation by bringing on more renewable energy and sharing it more efficiently across different users.

The Australian and WA Governments will work closely with First Nations Australians to understand their views on this investment and support their participation in the state’s clean energy transformation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Today we are joining forces with the Cook Government on a $3 billion landmark deal to deliver affordable cleaner energy to West Australians.

“Rewiring the Nation will help future proof WA’s energy supply, while also creating new jobs in energy, mining and manufacturing.

“On the weekend I visited Karratha and saw firsthand the economic power of the Pilbara – as the global economy decarbonises we need to provide opportunities for regions like the Pilbara to be powered by as much renewable energy as possible.”

Premier of Western Australia Roger Cook said:

“In WA we are delivering on our sensible and achievable plan to decarbonise our existing industries and create new clean energy industries as we transition to net zero, unlocking new projects while supporting new and ongoing local jobs.

“This significant package means we can accelerate the development of key energy transmission projects to facilitate decarbonisation, while also building on my Government’s climate action plan and initiatives already underway towards more secure, cleaner, reliable and affordable energy supplies.

“I thank the Commonwealth Government for its confidence in WA and the way in which they have approached negotiations for a Rewiring the Nation allocation for WA, and I want to acknowledge the efforts of WA Energy Minister Bill Johnston for spearheading the concept and undertaking consultation to garner the support and commitment of key industry players in WA.”

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said:

“This announcement is about driving cheaper, more reliable energy in WA and setting the state up for years to come.

“Renewable energy is the cheapest form of energy and the Rewiring the Nation deal will put downward pressure on electricity bills for WA consumers in the years ahead.

“The Australian and West Australian Governments are enabling WA to capitalise on the renewable energy transformation and make the most of the incredible jobs opportunity that comes with it.”

Western Australia Minister for Energy Bill Johnston said:

“The agreement has been informed by WA Government modelling, specifically from the South West Interconnected System Demand Assessment and the Pilbara Industry Roundtable process, and I thank private industry for their commitment to undertake a crucial role in decarbonisation.

“It is expected the private sector will largely fund the cost of renewable energy generation and transmission infrastructure in the Pilbara, to the tune of tens of billions of dollars over the coming decades.

“The low-cost finance program will help unlock this significant investment.

“Keeping Western Power in public hands has allowed the State Government to support this significant program of works by funding transmission infrastructure in the SWIS – where we have already funded $126 million in the recent Budget to kickstart early network planning.”

2023 Judy Dunbar Media Award Nominations Open

Netball NSW is now accepting nominations for the 2023 Netball NSW Judy Dunbar Media Awards.

The Judy Dunbar Media Awards recognise individuals and/or outlets that have demonstrated an outstanding media contribution to the sport of netball between the period; 1 September 2022 – 31 August 2023.

Judy Dunbar was an avid and long-serving Member of Netball NSW having served on the Board of Directors as well as various committees. Until her passing in July 2002, she was also the Media Officer for the Baulkham Hills Shire Netball Association and was responsible for building the image and increasing the exposure of netball in her local area.

To recognise her dedication to the sport over the years, Netball NSW named its media awards in her honour.

The Netball NSW Judy Dunbar Media Awards are presented annually at the Netball NSW State Dinner, this year to be held on Saturday 4 November at the Waterview in Sydney Olympic Park.

Nominations can be made in the following categories;

Best Overall Media Coverage
Community Media Excellence

Eligible nominations from accredited media outlets will be accepted whereby the content (print, radio, online, broadcast, photo) refers to individuals or teams representing or participating in the following competitions and/or activities:

Netball NSW competitions, programs or events.
Netball NSW affiliated Association (local) netball competitions.
NSW State Teams
NSW Swifts
GIANTS Netball
Suncorp Super Netball & Australian Diamonds
National Championships

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT AN ENTRY

Closing date for nominations is 5pm AEST, Monday 4 September 2023.

PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING GAP A FRACTION OF GOVERNMENT SPENDING ON PRIVATE SECTOR

The Greens say that the funding shortfall to public schools could be met by reducing government spending on the overfunded private system by only a third.

A new report by the Centre for Future Work found that it would cost an additional $6.6 billion a year to ensure that all public schools receive 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard, the funding level schools require to provide the bare minimum level of staffing and resources. 98% of Australian public schools are currently underfunded.

In 2021, private schools received $18.6 billion in combined funding from the Commonwealth and state and territory governments.

CGreens spokesperson on Schools, Senator Penny Allman-Payne said:

“Everyone’s looking for reasons why student performance continues to fall and more and more kids are disengaging with their education – but the answer is staring us right in the face.

“Before we start tinkering with teacher training and methodologies, let’s make sure that there are enough teachers in schools, and enough resources and support for them to deliver a good education for our kids.

“There’s only one thing that will fix that: money. Right now, public schools don’t have enough, while private schools have too much. It’s as simple as that.

“$6.6 billion is only a third of what our governments spend on fee-charging private schools every year. And it’s not like that’s doing anything to keep those fees down; fees in some private schools have risen 80% in the past decade.

“$6.6 billion is also less than a third of the $20 billion surplus Labor found behind the back of the couch last month, and it’s one-sixth of a nuclear submarine we don’t need and absolutely no one asked for.

“Labor’s refusal to fund public schools to the minimum level calculated by Gonski – which they could do immediately – looks like pure bastardry at this point. Our kids are crying out for a chance and all they’re getting are pointless reviews and platitudes.

“The Greens are calling on Commonwealth and state and territory governments to deliver 100% of the SRS to every public school at the start of the next National School Reform Agreement, in January 2025.”

City of Newcastle invites local creatives to take centre stage at The Playhouse

Newcastle’s creative and performing arts community are being invited to express their interest in presenting new and reimagined works in Civic Theatre’s intimate Playhouse Theatre in 2024.

Up to four shows will be selected as part of UpStage at The Playhouse, a new local program that will see each show offered a two-week placement in the atmospheric 195-seat Playhouse, which is co-located in the same building at the iconic Civic Theatre.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is committed to providing a platform for local creatives while also boosting what’s on offer to the local community.

“City of Newcastle and Civic Theatre are investing in local theatre productions, providing creatives with the space and offering marketing and technical support to help give local productions a leg up,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The Playhouse is ideal for presenting smaller local community productions, which complement the commercial and professional Broadway shows hosted in the larger Civic Theatre.”

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Advisory Committee, Councillor Carol Duncan said Newcastle is attracting a new wave of creatives.

“The timing is right for a local program like Upstage at The Playhouse with talent emerging in the region in need of a launching pad,” Cr Duncan said.

“We look forward to seeing what comes through from the expressions of interest to form the 2024 program.”

Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said the program, which will take to the stage in March 2024, is all about local shows for local audiences.

“UpStage at The Playhouse will showcase the ability, creativity and diversity of local talent right here in Newcastle,” Ms Wallace said

“We piloted the program last year and local theatre production company Tantrum Youth Arts was successful with their production Good Mourning, which will be presented as part of City of Newcastle’s New Annual festival next month.”

Tantrum Creative Director Penelope Kentish said Upstage at The Playhouse gives local theatre companies the opportunity to be part of something bigger.

“We are excited to deliver Good Mourning as part of Upstage at The Playhouse and the opportunity for early career artists to work alongside industry professionals, on such an important platform,” Ms Kentish said.

“To have the support and investment from Civic Theatre in new Australian work is paramount for the early career artists we work with, to build and sustain their careers in Newcastle and have local audiences share in their stories.

“Good Mourning is a new theatre production that explores the complexities of loss and grief from the honest perspective of an eight-year-old, who reminds us that while death is scary, life is a celebration.

“We look forward to presenting Good Mourning at The Playhouse from 22 to 23 September, as part of New Annual, in partnership with Civic Theatre.”

Expressions of interest are now open and close on Friday 15 September 2023. To register your interest, visit Civic Theatre’s website.

NSW sails towards normality with the lifting of COVID cruise ship protocols

The NSW Premier Chris Minns has ended COVID rules for cruising as the industry prepares for a busy summer.

Premier Minns has signed paperwork formally removing the Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols.

The cruise protocols were introduced in April 2022 to support the safe resumption of cruising following the lifting of the Commonwealth’s ban during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The participating state governments – NSW, Victoria, QLD and WA – approved the cruise protocols, which have been implemented by the cruise industry on a voluntary basis.

The protocols stated that all passengers aged 12 years and over needed to be fully-vaccinated to board a cruise ship departing or arriving at a port in these 4 states.

It also enforced mask wearing, including when embarking and disembarking, along with mandating negative COVID test results prior to departure.

Governments have agreed there is no longer a need for formal protocols with increasing community immunity to COVID-19 and lessons learned from the cruising industry since voyages resumed.

The Premier’s move follows an announcement late Friday by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).

The AHPPC rescinded the current Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) Cruise Guidelines and issued new advice around cruising.

The committee did note that cruise ships remain a higher risk setting for communicable disease and that cruise operators can help reduce the risk, including by managing staff health, encouraging passengers and crew to stay up to date with vaccinations and by promptly identifying and controlling outbreaks.

The NSW Government encourages the cruise industry to continue its work to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and other outbreaks on voyages, in line with the updated Australian Health Protection Principal Committee’s advice.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“We need to get life back to normal.

“We have scrapped these rules because they aren’t needed any more.

“Passengers can take their own decisions to look after their health before and during a cruise.

“Cruise companies have been looking after their guests and workers and we encourage them to continue that.

“But this change is needed – we could not remain the only country with these rules for cruising.

“These protocols were important at the time to get the cruising industry going again after COVID. They were never meant to remain forever.”

Minister for Tourism John Graham said:

“The 2023 winter cruise season in Sydney is on track to be one of the strongest on record and it is fantastic even more people can now participate.

“These protocols were important after COVID but were not intended to continue in perpetuity and I thank the sector for how they have handled the additional requirements placed upon them.

“The decision to bring the sector in line with other forms of travel is a sensible way to give visitors an unforgettable and safe experience across NSW’s beautiful coastline.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“The decision to repeal the cruise protocols is supported by NSW Health advice and NSW Health will continue to work with the cruise industry to minimise health risks to passengers as much as possible.

“The NSW Government remains committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring that policies are adapted in response to changing circumstances.

“I am confident that the cruise industry will continue to prioritise the health and safety of passengers, crew, and the broader community.”

Centenary of service celebrated this Legacy Week

Legacy Week was officially launched at a commemorative service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place today, commemorating 100 years of Legacy in Australia.

Minister for Veterans David Harris attended the commemoration alongside Legacy Sydney Acting President Tim Becker and other members of the veteran community to lay a wreath in memory of our veterans, and to show support for the widows, widowers, and children whose loved ones served our country.

“This Legacy Week we pay special tribute to Legacy for their support for the families of those Australian Defence Force personnel who served our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice as a result of their service.” Minister Harris said.

“Legacy was built on a promise to a dying soldier, to look after his family and 100 years on that promise continues to be kept, an amazing achievement and one we are all thankful for.”

The Legacy badge is a special emblem of support for our veterans’ families, it symbolises our nation’s greatest values of mateship, compassion, and courage. Legacy badges will be sold throughout the Sydney CBD and across NSW over the coming week.

“I encourage everyone to purchase a Legacy badge this week. Your donation will help widows and families of defence forces personnel who gave their lives serving our country,” Mr Harris said.

Today, Legacy ensures that 43,000 partners and children of our servicemen and servicewomen across Australia do not suffer financial or social disadvantage as a result of the loss or serious injury of their loved one.

Acting President of Sydney Legacy Tim Becker acknowledged Legacy Week as exceptionally meaningful as they mark Legacy’s centenary.

“As we reflect on the past 100 years, we stand ready to support our veterans’ families for as long as they need us,” Mr Becker said.

To all those donating, volunteering or spreading the word this Legacy Week – thank you. Your contributions are the heart of our mission. With your continued support, we can fulfil our promise that was founded in the trenches of World War One to care for the families of our veterans.”

Legacy beneficiary Kelly Randall spoke at the commemoration, sharing her story about the support her family has received.

“I am extremely grateful for the public’s support each Legacy Week. Your support helped my family pay for my school uniform growing up. You supported me through uni with textbooks and lab equipment,” Ms Randall said.

It’s nice to see the unity between the community and volunteers, with everyone coming together with the same aim of supporting veterans’ families.”

Find out more about the work of Legacy and how to donatelaunch

Research confirms density close to CBD, lowers infrastructure costs

The NSW Productivity Commissioner’s latest report confirms the NSW Government’s approach to housing is on the right track.

The NSW Government welcomed the release of the latest housing study – Building more homes where infrastructure costs less – which confirms that it costs less to build in areas with existing infrastructure.

The NSW Productivity Commissioner’s conclusion that building closer to Sydney’s CBD can save up to $75,000 in infrastructure costs per new home reinforces the NSW Government’s commitment to rebalance housing targets around transport links to deliver more well-designed, well-located homes in places where people want to live.

The government has made housing a key focus since taking office, introducing:

an audit of government-owned land to identify properties available for housing
incentives to encourage the delivery of more social, affordable and market housing
expanded capacity for government agencies to deliver more affordable housing
support for councils with more resource to get more planners into the system
delivery of built to rent pilots by Landcom on the South Coast and in the Northern Rivers
reforms to first home buyer stamp duty arrangements and delivering rental reforms.

Additionally, the government’s reforms to infrastructure contributions will help to provide funds to deliver the additional infrastructure needed to support housing growth.

The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The NSW Productivity Commissioner evidence shows that the housing crisis inherited from the previous government is linked to their focus on building out rather than up, instead of focusing additional housing around existing infrastructure and networks.

“We need help to deliver housing that people can afford with a fairer distribution of housing in infill locations where people want to live and work, near jobs and services and where it costs considerably less to deliver the infrastructure needed to support those homes.

“Essential workers like health workers, teachers, police, firefighters, cleaners, security guards, truck, bus and train drivers deserve the opportunity to live closer to where they work.

“Density done well is the focus of the Minns Government’s recent announcements.

“More infill development means people can stay in their communities and neighbourhoods through different stages of their life. Everyone wants family and friends to be able to afford to live nearby.

“It’s vital we look at different ways to deliver more homes, including focusing on inner city suburbs with existing infrastructure that can be scaled relatively quickly and easily.

“We reformed infrastructure contributions to close the gap between housing growth and the infrastructure needed to support that growth.

“Investing on scaling up infrastructure for infill development means we’re able to spread every dollar further.

“The Productivity Commissioner notes that established suburbs already have good access to roads, schools, health services and open spaces and to existing water and wastewater services, so it makes much more sense to increase density in those places.”

ALBANESE GOVERNMENT’S FEE-FREE TAFE BLITZ SMASHES TARGET SIX MONTHS EARLY

The Albanese Government’s plan to train, retrain or upskill Australians and tackle skills shortages is a raging success with all 180,000 Fee-Free places filled within six months.

New figures show Fee-Free TAFE enrolments have hit more than 214,300 in the first six months – six months earlier than anticipated and nearly 35,000 places more than expected.

The biggest winner is set to be the care sector, with courses across health care, aged care and disability care attracting more than 51,000 students or 23.8 per cent of total enrolments.

These urgently needed care sector places will help address Australia’s shortfall of care workers, which has been estimated to grow to a gap of 100,000 care workers nationwide by 2027-28.

Enrolments are also strong across other priority sectors, with:

Construction attracting 20,987 enrolments (9.8 per cent)
Technology and digital attracting 16,768 enrolments (7.8 per cent)
Early childhood education and care attracting 11,868 enrolments (5.5 per cent)

Demographic data also shows Fee-Free TAFE is making inroads supporting disadvantaged and in-need Australians, with enrolments including 50,849 job seekers (23.7 per cent), 15,269 people with disability (7.1 per cent) and 6,845 First Nations Australians (3.2 per cent).

Women make up the majority (60.2 per cent) of enrolments, with nearly 130,000 women taking on a qualification under the program.

More than a third of enrolments (34.1 per cent) are located in inner and outer regional locations.

The Fee-Free TAFE and VET agreement was only possible because of genuine partnership on skills and training with State and Territory Government’s established at the Jobs and Skills Summit.

We will continue to work together to ensure excellence and quality in the vocational education and training sector.

The Albanese Government expects to announce the next tranche of Fee-Free training places for 2024 in coming weeks.

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said:

“One of our major commitments from the Jobs and Skills Summit was delivering free TAFE places to train, retrain and upskill Australian workers.

“Working with states and territories, in six months we have smashed our target of 180,000 Fee-Free enrolments by almost 35,000 places – this is a terrific achievement.

“Fee-Free training offers a huge cost of living relief for students, grows the recruitment pool for businesses and eases the skills shortages that hold our economy back.”

Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor said:

“This is an encouraging sign that Australia is making progress on easing skills shortages still affecting many areas of the economy post-pandemic. These shortages affect up to 31 per cent of occupations according to the 2022 Skills Priority List.

“The Australian Government is committed to working with the States and Territories, who have been great partners and advocates during the delivery of this program.

“Fee-Free TAFE is the spark that is igniting a renewed sense of optimism and potential in our vocational education and training sector and I’m looking forward to building on our success.”