Budget boost for skills and training

The 2023-24 Tasmanian Budget will continue to strengthen our economy and ensure growth as we work towards our bold target of 20,000 more jobs over the next five years.

Minister for Skills, Training and Workforce Growth, Felix Ellis, said the Budget brings the latest investment into Skills and Workforce Growth up to $667 million.

“This $667 million investment will deliver new funding for crucial TasTAFE infrastructure and more support for our Jobs Tasmania agenda,” Minister Ellis said.

“The Budget includes $1.5 million for the TasTAFE Freer Farm Agricultural Centre of Excellence project, to ensure the facility has the latest equipment for our students to learn on when it is completed later this year.

“Our investment in this project brings it to $6.5 million in total and is a key part of our plan to support our world-class agriculture industry.

“The Budget also includes $3 million for crucial TasTAFE facilities upgrades, focused on improving safety and comfort across the State.

“This new funding comes on top of TasTAFE commitments already made since 2021.

“Overall, the Tasmanian Liberal Government has now committed nearly $120 million in new funding for TasTAFE in just two years.”

Other resourcing confirmed in the Budget includes $5.5 million for our nation-leading Jobs Hubs, and $1.8 million for the Employer of Choice program, which will be delivering important advisory services for a range of businesses state-wide.

“We are targeting every dollar in the Budget to get things done, so we can build a strong economy and a safe, caring community,” Minister Ellis said.

“This Budget provides targeted, careful and considered investment into the Skills and Training sector to ensure continuing jobs growth.”