Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Federal Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker, celebrated local Fee-Free TAFE success stories, meeting with graduates on the Bellarine today.

Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker MP said Fee-Free TAFE continued to change lives, address skill shortages, and help students by removing financial barriers.

“After smashing out Fee-Free TAFE targets last year with almost 300,000 enrolments, I’m delighted we are rolling out a further 300,000 Fee-Free TAFE and VET places in 2024, providing cost-of-living support for Australians choosing to study in priority and skills-need areas.

“Today we celebrated Fee-Free TAFE success stories with graduates who have secured good local jobs.

“They are hospitality graduates working here on the Bellarine, nurses in our local hospitals, those who care for the elderly, early childhood educators and horticulture graduates who maintain our beautiful coastland.”

Ms Coker said the additional 300,000 Fee-Free TAFE and VET places, available between 2024 and 2026, were made possible through a Commonwealth investment of $414.1 million, in collaboration with State and Territory Governments.

Fee-Free TAFE provides tuition-free courses to students wanting to train, retrain or upskill in priority areas. Eligible students can study for an accredited diploma, certificate, or short course without incurring a cost for the tuition fees.