This bill became law on Mar 27th, 2025.
Education & skills
Australia now has an ongoing federal funding commitment for free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. places in any stateIn this bill, a state or territory government that can sign up to the funding agreement and deliver the places. or territory that signs a Free TAFE agreementThe funding deal between the Commonwealth and a state or territory that sets the rules for Free TAFE places. with the CommonwealthThe federal Australian Government, which is the side of government funding the program under this bill..
Free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. lacked an ongoing funding guarantee, leaving students, training providers and employers without certainty and leaving some Australians blocked by tuition costs. The bill makes CommonwealthThe federal Australian Government, which is the side of government funding the program under this bill. funding ongoing through stateIn this bill, a state or territory government that can sign up to the funding agreement and deliver the places. and territory agreements so Free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. places keep targeting priority skills and people who need support.
Free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. was already operating, but it did not have an ongoing CommonwealthThe federal Australian Government, which is the side of government funding the program under this bill. funding guarantee, leaving students, training providers and employers without certainty and leaving some Australians priced out of training while governments and MPs pointed to growing skills shortages and the need for more post-school qualifications. The bill responded by locking in continuing federal funding through agreements with states and territories, and after Parliament passed it and Royal AssentThe final step that makes a bill become law after Parliament passes it. was granted in March 2025, Free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. became an enduring part of the national VETVocational education and training, the job-focused education sector that this law supports. system.
Critics argued the bill locks in a costly, open-ended subsidy that may not truly make courses free, may sideline private training providers, and may do little to fix skills shortages if completion rates stay weak. These concerns were raised mainly by Coalition speakers and some conditional supporters, while narrower reservations also focused on whether the policy delivered value for money and genuine student choice.
Andrew Giles MPMember of Parliament, used for elected lawmakers who spoke on the bill. introduced this bill. It passed with support from Labor, Greens, Australia's Voice, some crossbench members; opposed by Liberal Party, Nationals, Gerard Rennick People First, One Nation, some crossbench members.
Did it become law?
Yes
Became law 27 Mar 2025
Final passage
Recorded final vote
1 counted final-passage vote was recorded.
Passage speed
140 days
From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step
Meaning
Australia now has an ongoing federal funding commitment for free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. places in any stateIn this bill, a state or territory government that can sign up to the funding agreement and deliver the places. or territory that signs a Free TAFE agreementThe funding deal between the Commonwealth and a state or territory that sets the rules for Free TAFE places. with the CommonwealthThe federal Australian Government, which is the side of government funding the program under this bill..
The law is meant to support at least 100,000 free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. places across Australia each year, giving students and training providers more certainty from 2027 onward.
Free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. places can still come with some charges, because whether all fees are covered depends on the deal between the CommonwealthThe federal Australian Government, which is the side of government funding the program under this bill. and each stateIn this bill, a state or territory government that can sign up to the funding agreement and deliver the places. or territory.
Each Free TAFE agreementThe funding deal between the Commonwealth and a state or territory that sets the rules for Free TAFE places. must say which study areas or industries get the places, so free training is directed to national or stateIn this bill, a state or territory government that can sign up to the funding agreement and deliver the places. workforce priorities.
Each Free TAFE agreementThe funding deal between the Commonwealth and a state or territory that sets the rules for Free TAFE places. must also identify which groups get priority access, so states and territories can target places to people who most need support.
If a State is a party to an FT agreement, the Commonwealth is to make a grant of financial assistance under section 16 of the Federal Financial Relations Act 2009 for the purpose of making payments in accordance with the FT agreement.Free TAFE Act 2024 final Act text
(a) support the delivery of at least 100,000 FT places across Australia each year; andFree TAFE Act 2024 final Act text
Note: An FT place may not be free of all fees. The fees covered will depend on the terms and conditions of the relevant FT agreement.Free TAFE Act 2024 final Act text
(b) the areas of study, or the industries, that are a national or State priority for FT places to be offered in;Free TAFE Act 2024 final Act text
(e) the groups that are to be prioritised for access to the FT places;Free TAFE Act 2024 final Act text
Context
Free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. was already operating, but it did not have an ongoing CommonwealthThe federal Australian Government, which is the side of government funding the program under this bill. funding guarantee, leaving students, training providers and employers without certainty and leaving some Australians priced out of training while governments and MPs pointed to growing skills shortages and the need for more post-school qualifications. The bill responded by locking in continuing federal funding through agreements with states and territories, and after Parliament passed it and Royal AssentThe final step that makes a bill become law after Parliament passes it. was granted in March 2025, Free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. became an enduring part of the national VETVocational education and training, the job-focused education sector that this law supports. system.
Government introduces bill to make Free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. permanent
The minister said the bill would make Free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. an enduring part of the VETVocational education and training, the job-focused education sector that this law supports. system as Australia faced strong future demand for post-school qualifications, with almost half of new jobs expected to come through VETVocational education and training, the job-focused education sector that this law supports. pathways.
Hansard ↗Parliament debates Free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. against skills shortages and training costs
Speakers argued that permanent fee-free places could help people who could not otherwise afford training and respond to persistent shortages of trades and technical workers across the country.
Hansard ↗HouseThe House of Representatives, the lower house of federal Parliament where the bill was debated and passed. passes the bill
The HouseThe House of Representatives, the lower house of federal Parliament where the bill was debated and passed. agreed to the bill at third reading, sending the plan for ongoing CommonwealthThe federal Australian Government, which is the side of government funding the program under this bill.-backed Free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. funding to the Senate.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Parliament passes the bill
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, clearing the way for permanent federal funding agreements with states and territories.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Royal AssentThe final step that makes a bill become law after Parliament passes it. makes Free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. law
Royal AssentThe final step that makes a bill become law after Parliament passes it. turned the bill into an Act, giving legislative backing to an ongoing CommonwealthThe federal Australian Government, which is the side of government funding the program under this bill. commitment to fund Free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. places through stateIn this bill, a state or territory government that can sign up to the funding agreement and deliver the places. and territory agreements.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Legislative route
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Referred to Committee (21/11/2024): Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee; Committee report (27/02/2025)
Referred to committee
APH bill page notesThe bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Recorded vote: 83 to 53.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
Recorded vote: 34 to 30.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 34 to 30.
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Finally passed both Houses
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final step that makes a bill become law after Parliament passes it., turning the bill into an Act.
Key criticism
Critics argued the bill locks in a costly, open-ended subsidy that may not truly make courses free, may sideline private training providers, and may do little to fix skills shortages if completion rates stay weak. These concerns were raised mainly by Coalition speakers and some conditional supporters, while narrower reservations also focused on whether the policy delivered value for money and genuine student choice.
Most criticism targeted funding design, provider competition and delivery risks rather than the goal of cheaper training itself.
Open-ended cost without clear guarantees
Opponents said the bill commits taxpayers to an ongoing program without enough proof it is properly costed or reviewed, and argued it does not clearly guarantee that every so-called free placeA funded training spot under the scheme; it may still have some fees depending on the agreement. will actually have all fees covered.
Too much preference for TAFE over other providers
A major criticism was that the bill channels public funding toward TAFETechnical and Further Education, the public training system that offers practical vocational courses. at the expense of private and industry-based training providers, which critics said could reduce student choice and hurt access in regional areas where non-TAFETechnical and Further Education, the public training system that offers practical vocational courses. providers matter.
Risk it will not solve skills shortages
Some opponents said subsidising places alone is the wrong fix if students do not complete courses, arguing the bill is more of a slogan than a broader training strategy and may not deliver the skilled workers promised.
Further sources
Votes
The chamber-passage votes come first. Expand a vote to see the party breakdown.
HouseThe House of Representatives, the lower house of federal Parliament where the bill was debated and passed. agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Passed 34 to 30. Support came from Labor, Greens, and Australia's Voice. Opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, Gerard Rennick People First, and One Nation. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Earlier bill-stage votes
Passed 83 to 53. Support came from Labor, Greens, and Centre Alliance. Opposition came from Liberal Party, LNP, and Nationals. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Passed 34 to 30. Support came from Labor, Greens, and Australia's Voice. Opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, Gerard Rennick People First, and One Nation. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Passed 34 to 30. Support came from Labor, Greens, and Australia's Voice. Opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, Gerard Rennick People First, and One Nation. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Recorded amendment and procedural votes grouped by chamber. Expand a vote to see the party breakdown.
House
Defeated 5 to 59. Support came from Greens. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, LNP, and Centre Alliance. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
The HouseThe House of Representatives, the lower house of federal Parliament where the bill was debated and passed. defeated a Greens-led second-reading amendment, so the bill continued without the added student-debt call.
Senate
Defeated 12 to 35. Support came from Greens and Australia's Voice. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, Nationals, Gerard Rennick People First, and minor parties and independents.
The Senate defeated the Greens amendment, so the second-reading motion was not expanded with those calls.
Defeated 29 to 35. Support came from Liberal Party, Nationals, Gerard Rennick People First, and One Nation. Opposition came from Labor, Greens, Australia's Voice, and minor parties and independents.
The Senate defeated the One Nation amendment, so the bill's second-reading motion was not altered to add that position.
Defeated 31 to 33. Support came from Liberal Party, Nationals, Gerard Rennick People First, and One Nation. Opposition came from Labor and Greens. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
The Senate defeated the JLN amendment package, so the bill did not gain the proposed funding-recovery rule.
This list includes amendment votes, procedural votes and votes on the bill itself.
Parliamentary debate
Start here — lead voices
Giles supports the bill and says it will lock free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. into the national vocational education system as an ongoing CommonwealthThe federal Australian Government, which is the side of government funding the program under this bill. commitment.
Read in Hansard ↗McKenzie opposes the bill, arguing that its promise of free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. is misleading because it is not properly funded and may still leave students facing fees.
Read in Hansard ↗Bandt says the Greens support the Free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. bill and want it passed, but argue it should be paired with an immediate 20 per cent cut to student debt rather than waiting until after the election.
Read in Hansard ↗Dai Le supports the idea of fee-free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. and says it could help young people and low-income students gain skills, but she is not ready to back the bill unless the government shows it is value for money and protects competition from non-TAFETechnical and Further Education, the public training system that offers practical vocational courses. training providers.
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
33 speakers · 35 contributions · 33 support
“I really encourage at least a few members of the opposition to use their brains, do the right thing and support the government's bill. I'm not holding my breath. They have this bizarre ideological opposition to universal services. They have this stated opposition to the concept of free TAFE. Well, we have a different view, and it's one part of the very clear choice that Australians will have at the election. They have opposed every single cost-of-living measure that the government has put forward—no, no, no, no. Well, this government believes in training. We believe in skilling Australians. It's good for the economy. It's good for people's wallets and household budgets. It's a choice. I back free TAFE.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise today to speak on the Free TAFE Bill 2024. I do so with immense pride, because this is not just a nation-building piece of legislation. It is not just giving Australia the tools to thrive into the future and to meet its skills requirements; this is a bill of uplift for Australians and their families right around the country, because, by making fee-free access to hundreds of thousands of TAFE places permanent, we're giving everyday Aussies the keys to learn the skills that create livelihoods for themselves and their loved ones, regardless of their means or background.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“For all the reasons that I've outlined, and for the many more that the minister and other members on this side have added to this debate, I would ask those opposite to think again and to support this legislation. It's really important for students and it's really important for workers. It's important for businesses and, as I said, it's important for our national economy.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Obviously I'm speaking in favour of the Free TAFE Bill 2024, because fee-free TAFE places will become a permanent feature in our vocational education and training system. It's a program that has made a huge difference to many people in Western Sydney, and we want to see that change locked in for good.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I very proudly commend this bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“That's why I proudly commend this bill to the House, and I urge those on the crossbench to do so too.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill is about making sure that this isn't just a one-off sugar hit for our sector. It is about making sure that we future-proof TAFE so that people will always be able to have the opportunities accessible to them. With this bill, fee-free TAFE will become a permanent part of our national vocational education and training system.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill commits the Commonwealth to ongoing support to states and territories for free TAFE. Supporting the VET and TAFE sector is in Labor's DNA. Labor are reversing the damage of a decade and rebuilding TAFE for communities across Australia. The government has made a landmark $30 billion, five-year national skills agreement with states and territories, lifting investment in skills across Australia, alongside the Albanese government's growing investment in fee-free TAFE.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill expands our government's commitment to the skills sector. It is transformational. It will support the delivery of at least 100,000 full-time places across Australia each year from 2027, when the current fee-free TAFE agreement ends. It cements TAFE at the heart of the vocational education and training sector. Its practical impact is profound. It removes financial barriers to education and training, particularly for those experiencing economic disadvantage. It targets areas of high workforce demand, emerging skills needs and national and state or territory priorities.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The bill before us today will make free TAFE permanent. This will continue to relieve cost-of-living pressures by removing financial barriers to education and training for people, many of whom live in communities like mine. For these reasons—as somebody who has attended TAFE myself and had the benefit of being able to use that learning not only in a career before I'd finished university but all the way through, the learning that I was able to undertake at TAFE has provided me with great benefit—I very much commend this bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We don't want education to be a privilege; we want education to be a right for all Australians. For the prosperity of our nation, we cannot afford to cut off the pathways, to close the doors of opportunity for people to access vocational education and training. So I am really proud to be a defender of TAFE. I'm really proud to support this bill to make free TAFE permanent, to provide more opportunities for more Australians to access the education that they want and that they deserve.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to speak on the Free TAFE Bill 2024, an important bill. It's important because of the skills shortages we have in this country. If you have a look at the number skills shortages right across the nation, fee-free TAFE will assist the next generation to get the skills that they require to learn the trades to fill those positions.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to strongly support this important piece of legislation, the Free TAFE Bill 2024, introduced by my good friend and colleague the Minister for Skills and Training. For decades, TAFE has been the cornerstone of vocational education in Australia.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“That is where free TAFE comes in. I commend this bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Free TAFE legislation is more than a policy; it's a vision for a better Australia. It addresses our skills shortages and strengthens our economy; it gives Australians opportunities to build themselves better lives through secure, well-paid, skilled jobs; and it prepares us for the challenges of a changing world. It's an investment in our people, our industries and our shared future.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to support the Free TAFE Bill 2024 because Labor is, of course, the party of skills and training. We are the party of education for all, and we absolutely understand the power of education and how it can change someone's life. What has become very clear through the debate and the discussion in this place around this bill is that the Liberals do not understand this. They do not understand that fundamental to governing this country is helping people to get the skills and training they need to build a good career to provide workers for those industries that our country needs for the future. The actions and the words we are seeing from those on the other side show that they do not value this work. They do not value our education and our training system. They certainly do not value free TAFE. They've been very upfront about that. In fact, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition has said:”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The Free TAFE Bill 2024 will establish ongoing cost-of-living relief by removing those financial barriers to education and training that I mentioned, particularly for groups that typically experience economic disadvantage. The bill also ensures that fee-free TAFE continues to deliver a coordinated response to those workforce shortages that we all know.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“For too long, the cost of TAFE courses has limited many capable Australians in pursuing their dreams. This bill is a step towards levelling the playing field, giving everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation, a fair chance at securing a stable and fulfilling career. In regions like the Illawarra this bill will make a huge impact, allowing more people to gain qualifications needed for our region. TAFE is an essential pathway for many people seeking to change careers, upskill their current roles or take their first steps into the workforce. By creating more free TAFE places each and every year we are investing in our local communities, supporting local businesses and equipping individuals with the skills they need to thrive. A more skilled workforce leads to increased productivity, better wages and a stronger economy. By addressing these skill shortages through this bill we are not only supporting Australian and Illawarra businesses but also enabling them to innovate, to expand and to excel in the global market. I commend the bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“What this legislation does is take the success that free TAFE has been and say: 'We want to enshrine it. We want it to be permanent.'”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Fiona Phillips on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Fiona Phillips strongly supports the Free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. Bill 2024, saying free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. will give more people access to training, help disadvantaged students, and provide the skilled workers Australia needs for housing, care and industry. She argues making it permanent will give students, employers and states greater certainty while helping fill workforce shortages.
“By making free TAFE permanent, we can deliver a coordinated response to workforce shortages in priority industries, like construction, and ensure a pipeline of skilled workers that Australia needs now and into the future.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Fiona Phillips strongly supports the Free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. Bill 2024 and says the bill should pass because free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. is helping students, apprentices and regional communities get skills without added cost. She argues the opposition would cut funding and make TAFETechnical and Further Education, the public training system that offers practical vocational courses. more expensive, so Labor should keep free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. in place.
“Public education runs through my veins, and TAFE holds a special place in my heart. I will always fight for public education and stand up against any efforts to undermine TAFE. There is a clear choice at this election. The opposition leader and the Liberals will cut free TAFE funding, and Australians will pay more for TAFE. Under the Albanese government, free TAFE is here to stay.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“There's nothing further I need to say, funnily enough, because this bill is so good it speaks for itself. I commend it to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise in support of this bill, the Free TAFE Bill 2024—legislation that makes free TAFE permanent. It's semester 1 of TAFE in New South Wales, when new TAFE students are starting and returning students are coming back. This legislation will cement 100,000 free TAFE courses every year to give Australians skills and qualifications in aged care, early childhood education, construction and much, much more.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“There can be no doubt that free TAFE has been a huge success. In the first 21 months of free TAFE, there have been over 600,000 enrolments. And, with this bill, free TAFE is here to stay. This legislation will establish free TAFE as an enduring feature of the national vocational education and training system, funding 100,000 free TAFE places a year from 2027.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I commend the bill to the chamber.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Andrew Giles on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Giles supports the bill and says it will lock free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. into the national vocational education system as an ongoing CommonwealthThe federal Australian Government, which is the side of government funding the program under this bill. commitment. He argues it will remove cost barriers, help meet workforce shortages, and give more Australians access to training, especially in priority industries and cohorts.
“I commend the bill to the chamber.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Andrew Giles supports the bill and says Labor is making free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. permanent because it delivers cost-of-living relief, helps fix skills shortages and gives Australians access to training without debt. He also criticises the Liberals for planning cuts and argues the bill should lock in ongoing funding for free TAFEA government-funded training place that removes some or all course fees for eligible students. places.
“Labor is making free TAFE permanent. It provides cost-of-living relief. It removes the debt burden that students can carry over their course of their lifetimes. It gives Australians the opportunity to obtain meaningful, secure and well-paid jobs. It delivers on our commitment that no-one is held back and no-one is left behind. It is building Australia's future and creating a better life for Australians. That's what the Free TAFE Bill is all about, and that's why I commend the bill to the House.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“This is why I'm proud to stand here today and announce that Labor will make free TAFE permanent. From 2027 onwards, Labor will fund more than 100,000 free TAFE places every year. Let me say that again: we are making free TAFE permanent for over 100,000 Australians every single year.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The Free Tafe Bill 2024 that we're debating today locks in that great Labor TAFE policy and seeks to make it permanent. It'll mean that more people, regardless of their background, will have the chance to gain the skills they need for better pay and a better life.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“COKER () (): Free TAFE changes lives. It's a foundation for opportunity for many Australians—for young people, for women, for thousands of people across Australia who want well-paid and secure work in sectors where we have worker shortages. Our government recognises this and understands the crucial role that this sector will play in building Australia's future. That's why I stand today to support the Free TAFE Bill 2024, a bill that will ensure that free TAFE becomes permanent.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise today to speak on the Free TAFE Bill 2024, which is an incredibly important piece of reform. It will embed free TAFE as a fixture of our national vocational education system.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I cannot understand for the life of me why you would object to fee-free TAFE. It seems to me that the statement by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition that you don't value anything unless you pay for it makes absolutely no sense. What the Free TAFE Bill 2024 will provide is opportunity, and it will provide the workforce and the skills that this country needs. It will also mean that people who are from backgrounds that aren't flush with money will be able to access education at the TAFE level. That's what it actually means. I think it is mean-spirited and short-sighted to not support this bill. There is nothing to not support. I join with my colleagues here today in supporting this bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The popularity of the program testifies to just how much it is necessary. This bill is something I'm proud of. Supporting VET and TAFE is in Labor's DNA, and it delivers on every front and in every way for Australia and Australians.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise today to wholeheartedly support this important bill. The Free TAFE Bill locks in fee-free TAFE as an enduring feature of Australia's vocational education and training system. The Albanese government is guided by a simple principle: no-one held back, no-one left behind. Whether you're a student in Nundah, a tradie in Boondall or a parent in Stafford, you deserve the opportunity to build a good life for yourself and your family.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“If the skills shortage can teach you anything, it is that governments need to plan for and ensure that they have the structures in place to ensure that Australia has the skilled workforces that we need in the areas that we need them, and that is what this bill is all about. I absolutely wholeheartedly support the Free TAFE Bill and support this government's absolute intent to ensure that we address the skills shortage, particularly in the care economy—and that we pay the workers in the care economy what they're worth.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
16 speakers · 16 oppose
“I rise to speak on the Free TAFE Bill 2024, disingenuously titled as the bill appears to be unfunded. So we can't be so sure about the free bit, and we are none the wiser in relation to the 'who will be paying for it' bit as well. I can tell you who probably will be paying in terms of worse outcomes, wasted endeavour and unmet skill needs: the Australian people.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Unfortunately, as the bill currently stands, the coalition will have to vote against it, because what we've uncovered is that this promise—we'll acknowledge that this was a promise of this government—is unfunded. It's going to permanently increase Commonwealth spending by $500 million a year, and it's going to commit the Commonwealth to funding fee-free TAFE—I note that's a set of three words that's a challenge to say quickly—before there's been an opportunity to properly evaluate the effectiveness of the program.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“But there is no way those of us on this side of the House are going to give this government a blank cheque to go out and try and cynically buy more votes of young Australians and show no respect to the Australian taxpayers who work damn hard for their money and expect ministers to work just as hard.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“So the government are prepared to use scarce resources from the taxpayer to double-down on a policy without even reviewing whether it is the best use of that money.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This delivers very poor value for Australia. This is a bad policy from a bad government and the coalition won't be supporting it.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The coalition's concerns about the unquantified cost but locked in obligation under this bill are a major reason why, at this time, we cannot support the bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The coalition won't be supporting this bill, because we don't see it as being a reasonable expenditure of taxpayers' money. There are too many questions about how it would be funded and it fails the general fairness test. It doesn't target money at vulnerable people, it just sort of throws it out there. Again, I'm for investment in Australian education, but let's make it a targeted investment that improves the education system and our students, and benefits our industries as much as it can.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“But the coalition opposes this free TAFE legislation because it is unfunded.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to speak against the Free TAFE Bill 2024 not because anyone is against TAFE or against vocational training but because this particular bill is emblematic of a completely shambolic approach by this terrible Labor government to any policy implementation. I will explain for those couple of viewers perhaps tuning in at home why I say that this is such a clear example of this government's incompetence.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I support further education and higher education. I support federal money being put into that. But it shouldn't just be limited to the TAFE sector.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“In summary, we support every student, not just some. We back every single student, regardless of whether they are training at TAFE or with an independent provider. The problem is the Anthony Albanese Labor government has undertaken a skills policy that directs funds to one part of the training sector rather than to all of it. The government has form in that space of trying to pick winners for its own political benefit. Once again, we've seen, in the lead-up to an election, the government roll out a half-baked policy. Overall, this bill requires greater thought and action to achieve its intended purpose to support all students in the vocational and educational training sector so that we build the skills that we need to continue to grow our economy for the future of this great country.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Education has always been accessible to those who want to complete a certificate or a diploma. We need people who can enrol and finish their course to improve skills shortages across the country. Skills shortages have worsened under this current Labor government, and the Albanese approach is downright negligent. This legislation is bound to fail while it's not funded and there's no evaluation of how effective it is. This is why this side of the House will not support it. If it wasn't for the questioning of department officials at Senate estimates, the Labor government would have hidden the truth from everyday Australians. I know that taxpayers' money is not important to those opposite but it is important to me. How can we support this reckless legislation? It is totally irresponsible. This is not a good policy and not good value for our taxpayers. Labor's free-TAFE pledge is nothing but a big sham.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Having uncovered that Labor's commitment to make TAFE free permanently is unfunded, the coalition will oppose the Free TAFE Bill in the parliament. Australian students deserve better than fake pledges on skills and training. The coalition will oppose Labor's free TAFE legislation because it is unfunded. It could permanently increase Commonwealth spending by $500 million a year.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This move for free TAFE undermines their efforts and investment, and it's dangerous. It is a move by this government to prop up failed state enterprises, and, as I said, we're on the sticky paper.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We need to bring common sense back into policy like this—commonsense policy like we had under the coalition. This is a mess. It's no wonder the industry bodies are saying, 'We can't support this; it is a mess.' If the industry bodies don't support this, then we don't support it.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“All of us understand the need to deal with skills and education in this nation, and it's incredibly important that we can develop the skills that we need locally so we can address skill shortages. Our deputy leader and shadow minister has articulated this magnificently. That is what we as a nation need to do. In particular, we've got to make sure that, when it comes to undertaking apprenticeships and vocational education, people not only sign up but also complete their courses. It's all very well encouraging people and to say 'TAFE's free'—although we know it's actually the taxpayer who's paying for it—and to say, 'We want you to join up.' But if people just join up for the sake of it and then don't complete it, and when you've got a minister who used to be an immigration minister and made a complete mess of that and potentially is just going to do exactly same in this space—a minister who doesn't have the wherewithal to know that it's not just about people getting in the front door but about the learning, being educated and being able to address the skills shortages that we face—then this idea of fee-free TAFE, where it is the taxpayer who pays, won't achieve anything.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
1 speaker · 1 support
“Now, we could fix that in this country. We can fix that in this country by making public education genuinely free at all levels, and we've been arguing for that for a very long time. It is a welcome move that the government is taking partial steps towards free TAFE, and that's why we support this bill. It is a welcome move and something that the Greens—and only the Greens—have been calling for for some time. But earlier on in this debate, many of the Labor speakers have said very clearly and very eloquently, 'We've got to get this done and we've got to get this done now because people are under pressure.' The current member for Perth, the minister, said in relation to another bill that was before us—the electoral reform bill that the government's trying to rush through without an inquiry—'No-one in this place is guaranteed being returned after the election. If we've got an opportunity to do something, we've got to seize it. We've got to make the most of it. We've got to enact it.'”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
3 speakers · 1 support · 1 oppose · 1 mixed
“I support the principle of incentivising Australians to learn the skills and vocational training that our future demands. It is in all of our interests to do this. If the government can reassure me that this will be value for money and allow competition for non-TAFE RTOs, and show me that they are committed to more than the praising of TAFE, then I could be convinced to vote for the bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I support this bill, and I call on the government to give careful consideration to the employer incentives for small businesses as I mentioned and the equitable allocation of places across our nation to ensure that states like my state of South Australia get their fair share.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The truth is that I don't know the answer to these questions because we don't yet have the data, but, without the evidence, I find it really difficult to support a piece of legislation that is not urgent. But, hey, there's an election soon, so I guess that explains the urgency.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Record
House · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
House · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 83 to 53.
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
House · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Senate · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Senate · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Senate · Second reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 34 to 30.
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Senate · Third reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 34 to 30.
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Parliament · Finally passed both Houses
Passed both houses
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Assent · Assent
Assent
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final step that makes a bill become law after Parliament passes it., turning the bill into an Act.
Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee; Committee report (27/02/2025)
Referred to committee
Referred to Committee (21 Nov 2024): Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee; Committee report (27 Feb 2025)
APH bill page notes
