Question details
Question on Notice
(1) Why is the Government denying additional funding to Life Skills Victoria which would support the delivery of Certificate II qualifications.
(2) Why is the Government reportedly considering a
reduction in its existing funding allocation, despite the critical role it plays
in training people with a disability.
(3) Why is the Government effectively denying people with a disability the
opportunity to progress beyond Certificate I by withholding funding for the
delivery of Certificate II qualifications—thereby limiting their educational
and employment pathways.
In 2025, a greater proportion of the Victorian Training Guarantee is going to TAFEs – in particular regional TAFEs - so people can get skilled up for in-demand jobs near where they live.
The Allan Labor Government is providing around $1 billion of Skills First funding to support industry and labour market needs now and into the future. Individual Skills First contracts are determined by a stand-alone independent area of the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR).
Foundation skills training, including disability-focused courses such as Certificate I in Transition Education, Certificate I in Work Education and Certificate II in Work Education are delivered by a range of Skills First training providers right across the State – including throughout the TAFE network.
So far in 2025 there have been more than 1,000 funded commencements in these courses at over 20 Skills First training providers. Disability-focused foundation skills training is well-supported by the TAFE Network, with more than 700 commencements delivered at TAFE and Dual Sector institutes – including in regional Victoria.
The Victorian Government is committed to breaking down barriers for Victorians with a disability. Victorian TAFEs deliver a variety of services aimed at supporting access, participation and completion into vocational education for priority cohorts such as learners with disability.
In addition to these supports, every TAFE in Victoria has a dedicated disability transition officer to help learners with a disability or additional needs to access and transition more effectively into post-secondary education.
The Hon. Gayle Tierney MP
Minister for Skills and TAFE
