ANNE URQUHART MP

Federal Member for Braddon

MEDIA RELEASE

Strengthening our local workforce this National Skills Week

This National Skills Week, we’re celebrating the 2,306 people in North West Tasmania who are gaining skills for their future employment through Free TAFE.

The 2026 National Skills Week theme is "Life Changing", highlighting the transformative impact that education and training can have on people's lives.

That's exactly what the Albanese Labor Government's Free TAFE initiative is delivering, creating life-changing opportunities for Australians to gain new skills, secure good jobs, and build successful careers, particularly in our regional communities.

That’s why last year Labor legislated Free TAFE to make it permanent, delivering over 100,000 places every year from 2027. We’re building our future workforce, while the Liberals, Nationals and One Nation all voted against making Free TAFE permanent.   

In Braddon, Free TAFE has meant 2,306 students have the opportunity to gain qualifications and skills, particularly in priority industries including nursing, aged care, construction, cyber security and early childhood education.

A robust skills and training sector is critical to a strong and productive workforce in the North West of Tasmania. With a skilled workforce, everyone benefits: local employers, industry, and our economy.

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Braddon, Anne Urquhart MP:

“Free TAFE is a fantastic opportunity for people to get into the workforce without worrying about the training costs. Whether that’s school leavers, workers wanting to retrain and upskill, or unpaid carers to get into the workforce.

“We’re helping more Tasmanians get into secure, well-paying jobs, and providing the skilled workers that business needs to grow our local economy.”

WEDNESDAY, 26 AUGUST 2026