❓ Hon Tjorn Sibma questions the Minister for Skills and TAFE regarding the advice underpinning the decision to designate 185 TAFE courses as "low-fee", requesting the tabling of said advice. The Minister's response outlines the Lower Fees, Local Skills initiative and the rationale behind course selection.
AnsweredQoN 608Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Minister's decision to designate 185 TAFE courses as "low-fee" courses, and I ask: (a) what specific advice has the Department of Training and Workforce Development provided to the Minister, and/or her predecessor, which supports this decision; (b) does this advice include information on the appropriate price point for each course; and (c) in reference to (a) and (b), will the Minister please table this advice?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
16 October 2025
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Skills and TAFE
Response time
5 days
(a)-(c)
Lower Fees, Local Skills reduced course fees by 50 to 72 per cent from 2017 price points across four tranches:
· Tranche 1 – January 2020 – 34 courses
· Tranche 2 – July 2020 – 39 courses
· Tranche 3 – July 2021 – 107 courses in partnership with the Federal Government under the Job Trainer Fund
· Tranche 4 – January 2022 – 30 courses under an extension to the Job Trainer Fund
Courses were selected in response to existing and emerging skills needs, the State's economic diversification strategy, and Government priorities. Advice was based on consultation with industry and skills needs across the economy.
Lower Fees, Local Skills reduced course fees by 50 to 72 per cent from 2017 price points across four tranches:
· Tranche 1 – January 2020 – 34 courses
· Tranche 2 – July 2020 – 39 courses
· Tranche 3 – July 2021 – 107 courses in partnership with the Federal Government under the Job Trainer Fund
· Tranche 4 – January 2022 – 30 courses under an extension to the Job Trainer Fund
Courses were selected in response to existing and emerging skills needs, the State's economic diversification strategy, and Government priorities. Advice was based on consultation with industry and skills needs across the economy.
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