This report summarises the findings of the inquiry into the Free TAFE Bill 2024 (bill). The bill would establish ongoing financial support to the states and territories to deliver fee-free TAFE and vocational education and training (VET) places in areas of local and national priority. It forms part of a broader suite of government reforms to put TAFE at the heart of the VET system. The report explores the extent of support for the bill and examines some of the key issues raised. It recommends that the Senate pass the bill.

Bill objectives

• Establish the delivery of at least 100,000 full time places each year, removing financial barriers to education and training.
• Support education and training in areas of high workforce demand with emerging skills needs or otherwise a national or state priority.

Key findings

• The bill would establish an ongoing commitment of financial assistance to states to deliver free TAFE. It would deliver cost-of-living relief and would also help address skills shortages by offering places in areas of national and state priority.
• There was strong support for the program, with significant support for embedding free TAFE as an enduring feature of the VET system.
• Fee-free TAFE enrolments have been significantly higher than targets, demonstrating strong demand for the program.
• Some participants expressed concern in relation to the exclusion of private registered training organisations.
• Concerns raised that the effectiveness of existing free TAFE programs has not yet been properly evaluated, particularly in terms of completions.
• By removing financial barriers, the bill will empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue vocational pathways, contributing to Australia's economic resilience and social inclusion.