Tuesday, 31 October 2023

 John MULLAHY (Glen Waverley) (14:38): (385) My constituency question is for the Minister for Skills and TAFE in the other place. Minister, how will the national skills agreement between the Albanese federal government and the Allan Victorian government benefit the Holmesglen TAFE Glen Waverley campus in my electorate? Only a couple of weeks ago the Allan and Albanese Labor governments signed a $3.15 billion landmark national agreement to strengthen our TAFE and training sector. Victoria has led the nation when it comes to TAFE reform. After first being elected at the end of 2014 we reopened TAFEs that had been previously closed by the Liberal government.

Furthermore, we have introduced and extended free TAFE for many Victorians. More than 80 free courses are available to study, all of which are priority courses so Victorians can get the skills they need for our most in-demand jobs. Our TAFE reforms are helping Victorians get their first qualifications, gain skills that Victoria needs and achieve career changes. I look forward to seeing how the five-year national skills agreement, which will come into effect from January next year, will further strengthen our TAFE sector, including our Holmesglen TAFE campus in Glen Waverley.