Concerns Arise Over High Dropout Rates and $1 Billion Cost of Fee-Free TAFE
The federal Labor government is taking steps to establish Fee-Free TAFE as a permanent feature of Australia’s educational system.
The federal opposition plans to resist the government’s efforts to make Fee-Free TAFE training a lasting aspect of Australia’s vocational education.
Introduced by the Albanese Labor government on Nov. 4, a bill seeks to fund 100,000 positions annually starting from 2027.
This initiative expands on existing partnerships with states and territories, which supported 180,000 positions in 2023 and aim to provide an additional 300,000 spots over the next three years.
Despite this, Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley raised concerns about the program’s effectiveness, citing high dropout rates and failures.
Ley highlighted a briefing from the Minister for Skills revealing a 13 percent dropout rate for fee-free programs.
She emphasized the importance of proper evaluation and consideration if the program is to continue.
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Ley expressed concerns about the financial aspects of the program, highlighting the lack of mention of future costs and funding in the Free TAFE Bill 2024.
She criticized Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for not providing funding for making Fee-Free TAFE permanent.
Deputy Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley (left)—the shadow workplace minister—and LNP Candidate for Ryan, Maggie Forrest (right) are seen during a visit to a residential housing development at Margaret Court, Kenmore in Brisbane, Australia on Aug. 9, 2024. AAP Image/Darren England
Program’s Spending Has Not Been Reviewed: Ley
Senate Estimates revealed that no comprehensive review of the $1 billion spent on Fee-Free TAFE has been conducted.
Ley criticized the Labor Party for committing to funding the program without transparency on costs or effectiveness.
She estimated that the annual cost to taxpayers could reach as high as $500 million.
Ley also pointed out that the program lacks alignment with demand in relevant areas, with some courses experiencing low to no attendance.
Earlier, Shadow Minister for Immigration Dan Tehan emphasized that nothing is truly free, as taxpayers ultimately bear the cost.
Government Points to High Enrolment Numbers
Despite opposition, the Labor government highlighted significant enrollment figures since the launch of the Fee-Free TAFE initiative in January 2023.
By June 2024, over 508,000 Australians had enrolled in courses focusing on high-demand fields, with enrollees in care-related, tech, and construction programs.
The program has also attracted participation from priority groups, including young people, job seekers, and Aboriginal Australians.
Women represent a majority of enrollees, and a significant portion of spots have been filled by individuals from regional and remote areas.
Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles praised the program’s impact in helping students secure meaningful employment.
Greens to Back Bill
The Australian Greens have expressed strong support for the Fee-Free TAFE initiative, emphasizing its role in promoting equality and opportunity, which could facilitate its passage in the upper house.
The party stated that providing free access to university and TAFE education is crucial for breaking cycles of disadvantage and ensuring equal opportunities for all Australians.
They further pledged to fund Fee-Free TAFE and university education to support those seeking to pursue higher education.
