The Minns Labor Government’s Budget has failed the skills test, slashing TAFE capital investment at a time when apprenticeship and traineeship numbers continue to fall.
Shadow Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Justin Clancy said the Budget demonstrates a government focused on announcements rather than delivery.
“After three years in office, the Minns Labor Government are presiding over a collapse in apprenticeship and traineeship commencements, fewer apprentices and trainees in training, and declining completion numbers,” Mr Clancy said.
“The real measure of success is whether investment leads to more people gaining skills and qualifications. On that measure, this Government is failing.”
New NCVER data shows apprenticeship and traineeship commencements in New South Wales have fallen from 65,265 in 2022 to just 39,630 in 2025, a decline of almost 40 per cent.
Over the same period, the number of apprentices and trainees in training has fallen from 111,645 to 84,340, a decline of almost 25 per cent.
Completions have also fallen by more than 11 per cent.
“These numbers represent thousands of lost opportunities for young people, fewer skilled workers entering our workforce, and growing pressure on industries already struggling with labour shortages,” Mr Clancy said.
The Budget also reveals a reduction in TAFE operating expenditure from $2.482 billion in the revised 2025-26 estimates to $2.459 billion in 2026-27.
At the same time, TAFE capital expenditure has been cut from $346 million in 2025-26 to $233 million in 2026-27, a reduction of almost one-third in a single year.
Compared with the final Coalition Budget in 2022-23, TAFE capital expenditure remains more than $85 million lower.
“This Government talks a big game about skills, but today’s Budget contains less investment in TAFE infrastructure than the last Coalition Budget handed down four years ago,” Mr Clancy said.
“At a time when New South Wales needs more training capacity, more apprentices and stronger pathways into work, Labor is cutting capital investment and delivering poorer outcomes.”
Mr Clancy said the Budget follows the Government’s own Vocational Education and Training Review, which identified many of the challenges facing the sector.
“The Government’s own review correctly diagnosed the problem. The issue is that implementation has been slow and outcomes continue to deteriorate.”
“New South Wales doesn’t have a shortage of reviews, strategies or announcements. It has a shortage of results.”
Mr Clancy said a Liberal and Nationals Government would focus on increasing apprenticeship commencements, improving completion rates, strengthening school-to-work pathways, backing employers to take on apprentices and ensuring more people finish qualified.
“Success should not be measured by how many reports are written or how many press releases are issued. Success should be measured by how many people finish qualified and enter the workforce with the skills our economy needs.”
Author: admin
Minns Government cuts $225 million from sport
The Minns Labor Government has slashed almost $225 million from the Office of Sport budget, dealing a major blow to community sporting clubs, athletes and local sporting infrastructure across New South Wales.
When it comes to the Australian culture and Australian community, nothing connects us all like Sport. Whether it is the current or future Socceroos, Matildas or Olympic athletes, the Minns Government is happy to stand next to them but will not invest in our future sporting stars.
Sport is how communities come together, how young people learn teamwork and resilience, and how we celebrate our national identity on the local field and the world stage.
The Liberal and Nationals Government’s record on local community sport investment included:
Active Kids vouchers, helping families with the cost of children’s sport and recreation activities.
First Lap vouchers, introducing thousands of young children to learn-to-swim programs and improving water safety outcomes.
Nearly $900 million invested through community infrastructure grant programs to improve the accessibility and quality of sporting infrastructure across New South Wales.
Shadow Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the cuts were a betrayal of the thousands of volunteers, families and local clubs who need support to keep sport accessible and affordable.
“Sport brings Australians together. It is an essential community activity. Every dollar cut from sport is a dollar taken away from opportunities for young people, local clubs and future champions.” Mrs Ward said.
The Minns Government must explain why sport has once again been forced to pay the price for its budget decisions.”
Labor’s budget confirms NSW is going backwards
The NSW Liberals and Nationals have today slammed the Minns Labor Government’s Budget, saying it confirms that NSW is going backwards and Labor has no plan to grow the economy, support families or back business and jobs.
Labor’s fourth Budget reveals:
- NSW is entering a per capita recession, with economic growth forecast at 1% while population increase is forecast to be 1.1%.
- Labor will never deliver a budget surplus; despite promising a surplus by 2024-25 before the last election Labor has not delivered a budget surplus during its term.
- Taxes are up by 31% since Labor came to power, with every NSW family paying $3,500 more in state taxes per year, and stamp duty and payroll tax takes at record highs.
- No new major infrastructure projects and a shrinking pipeline, with funding down every year.
- No measures to address housing supply at a time when Labor is 40 per cent behind its National Housing Accord targets.
Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said after more than three years in office, Labor has failed to provide the vision and leadership needed to help NSW reach its potential.
“This Budget confirms what families and businesses already know – Labor has no plan to help people get ahead and no plan to grow our state’s economy,” Ms Sloane said.
“Families are working harder than ever but too many are going backwards, meanwhile businesses are facing rising costs and a government that is taking more off them in payroll tax.”
“New South Wales should be leading the nation, but under Labor we have the weakest economic growth in Australia, declining business confidence and cost of living support that is too little, too late.”
“When Labor came to office we were leading the nation on economic growth, now we’re coming last.”
“This Budget should have been about restoring confidence and setting a clear direction for our state’s future. Instead, it confirms Labor has run out of ideas for NSW.”
Leader of the Nationals Gurmesh Singh said regional communities were also being left behind by Labor’s latest Budget.
“Regional New South Wales has always been a key driver of our state’s success, but too often communities are being asked to do more while receiving less,” Mr Singh said.
“Whether it is infrastructure delays, housing shortages, energy policy or essential services, regional communities deserve their fair share and deserve to be heard, but under Labor they are simply ignored.”
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals believe every part of our state should have the opportunity to grow and prosper, regardless of your postcode.”
Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said Labor’s Budget showed that Labor is not up to the job of running our state’s economy.
“The Budget reveals that under Labor, our state is headed for a per capita recession, as our population growth will outpace our economic growth. This means that despite their hard work families and businesses will fall further behind,” Mr Farlow said.
“Despite promising a return to surplus before the election, Labor has not delivered a surplus and its fanciful projections mean it never will.”
Shadow Minister for Finance Monica Tudehope said Labor’s answer is always the same, more taxes, more charges and more pressure on household budgets.
“Under Labor, taxes have increased by 31%, leaving families and businesses worse off with only more bad news to come as our economy slows.”
Ms Sloane said she would outline the NSW Liberals and Nationals ambitious plan for a stronger NSW this Thursday.
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals plan will be one that helps families get ahead and stay ahead, and backs small and family businesses to invest, grow and create jobs,” Ms Sloane said.
“Unlike Labor, our plan is one to grow our state’s economy, build the homes, roads, rail, schools and hospitals our growing communities need, and restores the ambition that once made NSW the leading state in the nation.”
“The people of New South Wales deserve a government with a vision for the future and with the NSW Liberals and Nationals that’s what they’ll get.”
NSW Liberals and Nationals back Toll relief for drivers
The NSW Liberals and Nationals have welcomed overdue cost-of-living relief for drivers, with the weekly toll cap reduced from $60 to $50, while noting it falls well short of the toll reform Labor promised three years ago.
The change will save eligible drivers up to $520 a year, providing some relief for households who rely on Sydney’s road network every day.
The scrapping of toll administration fees is also welcome given the pre-election commitment and the millions raked in since while Labor sat on that election promise.
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said families and households are paying more for just about everything under Labor, and relief is overdue.
“Labor promised toll reform three years ago, yet drivers will still face toll price increases in a matter of days,” Ms Sloane said.
“Under Federal and NSW Labor, families and households are paying more for groceries, electricity, insurance, fuel and mortgages, and some cost-of-living relief is long overdue.”
Shadow Minister for Roads Mark Coure said for many in Western and South-Western Sydney tolls are unavoidable.
“This change will provide welcome relief for families across West and South-Western Sydney as well as Southern Sydney, who rely on their cars every day to get to work, take their children to school, attend appointments and support local businesses,” Mr Coure said.
“It is a step in the right direction, but drivers are still waiting for Labor to deliver the meaningful toll reform they promised before the last election.”
The NSW Liberals and Nationals will continue to focus on practical measures that ease cost-of-living pressure and put money back into people’s pockets.
One Nation: 130,000 Australians Have No Home
We’ve got over 130,000 people who are homeless in Australia, yet the Labor Government continues to preside over mass migration on a scale the country has never seen before.
In Albo’s time as Prime Minister, a population the size of Adelaide has been added to the country. This is having a direct impact on our housing crisis and is one reason homelessness rates are growing.
Labor’s shameful record is something they do their best to hide.
Not anymore.
Australia and Canada sign landmark agreement on Over the Horizon Radar export
The Albanese Government has announced the nation’s largest ever defence export, with the signing of a government-to-government arrangement with Canada to export an Australian Over the Horizon Radar (OTHR) system.
This $2.5 billion agreement marks the first international sale of Australia’s world-leading OTHR technology, building on the proven success of the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) while supporting hundreds of Australian industry jobs.
Australia’s Department of Defence has worked with the Canadian Department of National Defence to develop requirements for Canada’s Artic-Over the Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) capability, with the commitment to collaborate on this technology reaffirmed by Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Carney in March 2026.
The agreement signed today reflects our shared strategic interests, combining Australia’s globally recognised expertise in OTHR with Canada’s leadership in Arctic defence and long-range domain awareness.
It will further strengthen interoperability between trusted partners while driving industrial growth and innovation in both nations. It also establishes a framework for joint research and development to advance OTHR capabilities for mutual benefit.
Working together on OTHR systems will support the delivery of early warning and surveillance capabilities in the Indo-Pacific and North Atlantic, contributing to our collective security in an increasingly complex strategic environment.
The project will support approximately 300 high-value technical jobs in Australia, with industry partner BAE Systems Australia set to commence delivery of Canada’s A‑OTHR capability on 1 July 2026.
This announcement marks the first stage of a broader Australia–Canada collaboration on A-OTHR. Both nations are committed to exploring further opportunities for joint development, deepening defence industrial ties, and building an enduring partnership that strengthens capability and security outcomes for both countries.
Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese
“Australia is a world leader in Over the Horizon Radar technology, and this agreement showcases Australian innovation.
“As close friends and valued partners, Australia and Canada’s relationship is grounded in decades of operational cooperation, shared strategic interests, and deep collaboration through the Five Eyes partnership.
“Today’s agreement marks a significant milestone in Australian defence trade and lays the foundation for deeper and mutually beneficial defence industry collaboration with Canada.”
Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles
“This is the biggest defence export agreement in Australia’s history, which reflects our close and long-standing friendship with Canada.
“In an increasingly complex strategic environment, Australia and Canada are committed to working together to grow our defence relationship and this initiative is a clear demonstration of that enduring partnership in action.
“This arrangement demonstrates Australia’s ability to export advanced, high-technology defence systems while safeguarding our national security, and enabling trusted partners to benefit from Australian innovation.”
Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy
“The Jindalee Operational Radar Network is a great Aussie success story – world-leading technology that has led to the biggest defence export agreement in Australia’s history.
“The arrangement represents a powerful example of how defence exports support economic growth, build high-technology capability, and strengthen national resilience.
“BAE Systems Australia, as the key industry partner, plays a central role in reinforcing Australia’s position as a global leader in OTHR technology. Today’s agreement directly supports the ongoing evolution and resilience of the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN).”
Meeting of National Cabinet
Today the Prime Minister convened National Cabinet for the sixth time since the conflict in the Middle East began.
At today’s meeting Energy Minister Chris Bowen and Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator Anthea Harris provided an update on Australia’s fuel security.
Australia’s fuel supply outlook remains secure in the near term, however we are working hard to prepare for contingencies in the event of supply disruptions in fuel and fertiliser.
At National Cabinet the Prime Minister outlined the Commonwealth’s one month extension to the fuel excise cut and reached agreement with First Ministers on continuing their contribution, on the same basis as the previous measure.
This is more temporary support that will help take the sting out of petrol prices and help Australians with the cost of living.
In addition, the Albanese Government will reduce the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge by 16 cents for the same period to help truckies keep Australia moving.
The Prime Minister also updated National Cabinet on the discovery of H5 avian flu and the national response the Commonwealth is working on with states and territories.
The Government has already invested $113 million to strengthen preparedness for H5 avian flu, including an additional $11.2 million in our most recent Budget.
Statement on Prime Minister Starmer
I consider Keir Starmer a friend and I’m thinking of him on what must be a very tough day.
Serving in public life is a tremendous privilege but politics can also be a harsh business.
When the time comes for Keir to leave Downing Street, he can be proud of the contribution he has made to the country he loves and to the Labour Party that he led back to Government in 2024.
I’m grateful for the opportunities we had to work together to strengthen our AUKUS defence and security partnership, support the brave people of Ukraine and keep children safe from the damage that social media can do.
I wish Keir, Victoria and their children well with everything the future holds.
Government another step closer to delivering tax reforms
The Albanese Government is another step closer to delivering its tax reforms for workers, home buyers, and businesses.
These reforms will make it easier for Australians to buy their first home, cut taxes for over 13 million workers, and better align the tax treatment of labour and asset income.
Today the Greens have confirmed they will support passage of the first tranche of tax reform legislation.
It is now a question for the rest of the Parliament whether they will get on board with tax cuts for workers and a fairer tax system for first home buyers.
The three right wing parties voted against these tax cuts and in favour of big tax breaks for property investors in the House, and now they’re planning to vote the same way in the Senate which will mean voting against tax concessions for small businesses as well.
Government amendments to the legislation will mean all 2.7 million active small businesses and 98 per cent of all active businesses will be eligible for generous Capital Gains Tax (CGT) concessions.
The Government will make a number of additional amendments, in line with our announcement on 18 June, to provide as much certainty on the implementation details as possible.
The Government will also support amendments to the NDIS legislation to clarify the implementation of the reforms.
In addition, the Government has agreed to support an amendment that will be moved by the Greens to ban future limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBAs) for residential property by superannuation funds.
Superannuation funds are generally prohibited from borrowing money to invest, with the exception of LRBAs that are used by SMSFs.
Multiple inquiries have raised concerns that these arrangements raise risks for superannuation investors, including the 2014 Murray Financial System Inquiry conducted for the Coalition, and limiting new arrangements going forward will help protect people’s savings.
These arrangements constitute less than 1 per cent of total residential property borrowing and less than half a per cent of new residential borrowing each year.
These changes don’t in any way change the tax arrangements for superannuation, don’t impact any existing SMSF borrowing arrangements and provide time to finalise arrangements that are in train.
Labor built superannuation and we’ll always look to make it stronger and fairer, and agreeing to these changes will reduce the risks to retirement savings while also securing passage of these important reforms to make the tax system fairer.
Passage of this important legislation this fortnight will provide workers, businesses and investors certainty about the core tax settings that will apply from 1 July 2027.
The Government will continue to develop further tranches of legislation to implement the Budget tax reform package, consistent with the process for legislating other large tax reform packages in the past.
Labor was Warned: Greens Back $200 Million Bird Flu Response
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is backing calls from leading conservation organisations, including BirdLife Australia and the Invasive Species Council, for the Federal Government to establish a $200 million emergency response fund to combat the growing threat posed by the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak.
The call comes after Senator Hanson-Young warned the Federal Government about the risk of an outbreak nearly two years ago, writing to the Environment and Agriculture Ministers in September 2024 urging immediate action to strengthen Australia’s preparedness.
Sarah Hanson-Young, Senator for SA and spokesperson for Environment and Water:
“Australia is staring down one of the biggest domestic crises since Covid, and the Government has had almost two years to prepare for it.
”The Government must urgently boost funding to help save our Australian native wildlife from this deadly virus.
“The experience around the world shows that this strain of bird flu will be devastating to Australian wildlife and could push iconic species like Tassie Devils, black swans and sea lions to the brink of extinction.
“If the Albanese Government are serious about protecting wildlife then they must urgently scale up the funding to build wildlife population resilience.
“The Government has known this threat was coming for nearly two years. Australians deserve to know whether Labor spent that time preparing for the outbreak or simply hoping it wouldn’t happen.
“The Government has been well aware of the risks. The question now is whether it has done enough to prepare.
“If H5N1 becomes established in Australia, the consequences for our native birds, marine life and unique ecosystems could be devastating. We cannot afford to be caught flat-footed.
“Australia is home to some of the most unique wildlife on Earth, and many of our most iconic species could be placed at risk if this virus becomes established in wild populations.
“Now that this crisis is at our doorstep, the Government must show it has done the work and provide the resources needed to protect Australia’s wildlife, environment and agricultural industries.
“A $200 million emergency response fund is the minimum required to ensure wildlife carers, conservation organisations, scientists and governments have the resources they need to respond rapidly and effectively.
“Protecting Australia’s biodiversity requires more than thoughts and prayers. It requires a well-funded, coordinated national response, and it requires it now.