Tuesday, 18 March 2025

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Water) (12:46): This month marks the sixth anniversary of free TAFE in Victoria, and I am thrilled to confirm that more than 200,000 students have benefited from free TAFE, equating to over $600 million in tuition fees. That is right; two MCGs full of students have benefited from free TAFE, saving an average of $3000 per course. This is more proof that Victorians love TAFE and trust TAFE training. Last week I was joined by the member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke and the member for Hastings Paul Mercurio at the official opening of stage 2 of the Chisholm Institute’s Frankston campus redevelopment. These upgraded spaces will accommodate more than 2000 students per year training for in-demand jobs. With this $67 million investment, this campus is as spectacular as any university campus, proving once more that TAFE is a choice that is equal first to university for students. We met students undertaking a certificate IV in cybersecurity through free TAFE and heard firsthand how the removal of the financial barrier made undertaking the course a reality. This was followed by a visit to Chisholm’s Cranbourne campus with the member for Cranbourne Pauline Richards. We met students undertaking another free TAFE course. This time it was the certificate III in horticulture. We also met Cassie, a third-year plumbing apprentice who is excited to be studying at one of our world-class public TAFEs. These courses are about preparing students for secure, in-demand careers, and free TAFE is making training a reality for so many people, because training for a reliable, rewarding job should not come with a price tag. This means more Victorians can get the skills needed for reliable jobs that lead to rewarding careers.