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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationFee-Free support could harm training sector
Fee-Free support could harm training sector
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“We absolutely support making vocational education more accessible but rushing this legislation risks turning a good idea into an ineffective policy,” said Geordan Murray, HIA Executive Director – Future Workforce.
“It is vital that we base decisions on evidence, not just good intentions. The stakes for the building industry—and the broader economy—are simply too high.
HIA’s submission to the inquiry raises key questions about how the scheme will work in practice.
“Among the many concerns is the need to evaluate the current Fee-free TAFE initiative before it’s formalised. Without clear data on what is working and what isn’t the program could fail to deliver its full potential.
“During the time that the Fee-free TAFE scheme has been operating the number of apprentices and trainees in the construction industry has declined. It doesn’t appear that the scheme is doing enough to boost participation.
“Another critical issue is fairness, HIA has always argued that private and industry-based training providers must be given equal access to funding alongside public TAFEs.
“Australia’s vocational education system is built on diversity, restricting private providers not only limits student choice but also risks leaving gaps in the training landscape.
“Transparency is also a sticking point for HIA, we are calling for the legislation to include provisions for timely data collection and reporting, ensuring the program can be objectively assessed over time. This is essential for fine-tuning the scheme to meet the country’s evolving workforce needs.
“While the government’s target of 100,000 fee-free TAFE places is a positive start, we question whether it goes far enough.
“This number might sound impressive, but in the context of our skills crisis, it is just not enough. We need to think bigger, the demand for skilled workers in construction and other industries is overwhelming.
“The government should also consider the broader financial challenges that students face, course fees are just one part of the equation. Travel costs, tools, and equipment are all barriers that need to be addressed if we are serious about boosting participation in training.
“HIA remains committed to working constructively with the government to ensure the vocational education and training system meets the needs of Australia’s workforce. But this legislation needs to be done right.
“Our industry is at a critical juncture, we need bold, well-thought-out holistic solutions. Fee-free TAFE has the potential to make a real difference, but only if it is backed by careful planning and robust support,” concluded Mr Murray.
For more information please contact:
Geordan Murray
Executive Director – Future Workforce
P: 02 6245 1379
M: 0438 103 651
E: g.murray@hia.com.au
Signs of a pulse in Canberra building approvals
Building approvals for dwellings in Canberra for the year to the end of March have shown some signs that the market may be turning the corner but still remain well below government targets.
Low volume of home building but labour shortages linger
“Australia has just seen its two weakest years of new home commencements in over a decade, meaning these ongoing shortages of skilled trades are not being caused by home building activity,” stated HIA Chief Economist, Tim Reardon.
Building approvals strengthen in March quarter
“There were 48,620 new homes approved for construction in the first quarter of 2025, up by 20.8 per cent on a year earlier,” stated HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt.
New Government must put housing as first order of business
“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) calls on the newly elected Federal Government to make housing a first-order priority from day one, any delay or political grandstanding will only deepen the nation’s housing crisis,” HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said today.