The Australian Education Union (AEU) has welcomed the passage of the Free TAFE Bill (2024), which establishes 100,000 permanent Free TAFE places annually from 2027.
AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe praised federal parliamentarians who supported the legislation. She stated that the initiative has "changed the lives of TAFE teachers and students, is addressing skills shortages, and provides significant benefits to our economy."
Haythorpe emphasised that permanent Free TAFE status ensures "quality vocational education delivered by TAFE the public provider, is available to all Australians."
The union criticised the Coalition's opposition to the bill, with Haythorpe warning: "It's clear the Coalition do not support Free TAFE, and we will see the end of hundreds of thousands of Free TAFE places should Peter Dutton become Prime Minister."
Haythorpe cited multiple Coalition statements opposing the program, including claims they would cut $1.5 billion from TAFE funding and characterisations of the scheme as unsuccessful. She argued that eliminating Free TAFE would harm students, teachers, and Australia's economy.
Haythorpe concluded: "With the federal election looming, voters need to be aware of the ramifications of a Dutton Government. Make no mistake, a Dutton Government will cut Free TAFE."
Source: AEU media release
