Our bold plan to invest an additional $98.5 million for TasTAFE’s next evolution, under a re-elected majority Gutwein Liberal Government, has been warmly welcomed by industry and stakeholders.

Master Builders Association Executive Director Matthew Pollock said: “The Master Builders Association fully supports the Government’s plans for TAFE and welcomes their significant election commitments for our tradies for the future. These are bold and pragmatic initiatives that respond to industry needs.”

Master Plumbers Tasmania Executive Officer Angela Bennett said: “Master Plumbers Tasmania welcomes the Liberal Government’s injection of interest and funding into the TasTAFE system to improve trade training opportunities and outcomes. We are delighted that trade training will get a long overdue facelift in the North West and that student accommodation facilities will be built to accompany the Centre for Excellence for Water, Energy and Trades.

“Overall the Liberal Government has approached the deficits of the current TasTAFE system holistically and thoroughly and have listened to industry’s needs. We commend the Liberal Government for tackling the big ticket items and for positioning our TasTAFE to be the best trade learning centre in Australia.”

TCCI Chief Operating Officer Colleen Reardon said: “The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has welcomed the Liberals’ plan to invest nearly $100 million into TasTAFE over the next four years, if re-elected.”

Ms Reardon said Tasmania is experiencing skills shortages in some areas and improving vocational training is vital to addressing those.

“The TCCI wants to see Tasmanian businesses have access to the best vocational training when and where they need it in order to grow their businesses and take advantage of available opportunities,” Ms Reardon said.

“Investing in more teachers is critical to meeting industry need whilst investing in better facilities and equipment is a great way to support contemporary skills training needs. We also welcome the Liberals’ plan to restructure and improve TasTAFE, and if re-elected we strongly encourage the Liberals to carefully manage any changes and engage effectively with the existing workforce to facilitate this.”

Tasmanian Hospitality Association CEO Steve Old said: “THA supports extra funding being put into TAFE and into training, especially focusing on regional areas.”

And HIA Tasmania Executive Officer Stuart Collins said: “Naturally, HIA welcomes any announcement by an incoming government that seeks to invest in industry training by providing greater access, resources, flexibility, infrastructure and student support.”

Our $98.5 million plan for TAFE includes 100 more teachers, brand new infrastructure right across the state and increased access for rural and regional students.

Ensuring young Tasmanians can get the training, apprenticeships and jobs for their future here in Tasmania is a key part of our plan to secure Tasmania’s future.

Importantly, TasTAFE will always remain in public ownership as a government organisation, delivering more choice for learners, better pay for skilled teachers and flexible hours aligned to business and industry vocational needs.