Turbo-charging TasTAFE

Job creation remains the Hodgman Liberal Government's number one priority. While more than 11,000 additional jobs have been created since we came to office, we know there is more we can do to ensure our workers have the right skills for the jobs to meet the needs our growing economy.

The 2018-19 budget includes $18.9 million in job creating infrastructure funding for TasTAFE. This funding will deliver our election commitments including:

$7 million to establish a Trades and Water Centre of Excellence
$5 million to establish an Agriculture Centre of Excellence based at Burnie's Freer Farm
$2 million for Drysdale to establish a delivery point in Hobart's northern suburbs
$1.5 million for a Drysdale training kitchen within the Devonport Living City project.

This significant investment in TasTAFE infrastructure will ensure workforce training aligns with industry demand and helps to create rewarding and sustainable careers for Tasmanians. It complements our other policies of Payroll Tax Rebates and Small Business Grants that actively encourage employers to take on the next generation of the workforce.

As we move forward into a new era for TasTAFE, championed by a new Board, Chair and CEO, the State Budget demonstrates our commitment to invest in and revitalise TasTAFE. It ensures our apprentices are trained to the highest standards and our connection to industry and the community are strong.

Investments in public vocational education and training will help us achieve our goal to reduce the unemployment rate to the best State in the country by 2022.

The 2018-19 State Budget clearly demonstrates that the Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to investing in skills and training and supporting the positive future of TasTAFE.