The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, has announced a landmark agreement on vocational education and training (VET) [69839a5e]. The agreement aims to address the skills and labor shortage in the country and prioritize Technical and Further Education (TAFE) as the base for education. The Prime Minister emphasizes the importance of training Australians for jobs and reducing reliance on temporary labor. The agreement includes a $12 billion program over five years, with $1.2 billion allocated to Western Australia [69839a5e].
The Prime Minister highlights the success of the Fee-Free TAFE program, which has increased enrollment and provided opportunities for both young and mature students. The Premier of Western Australia, Roger Cook, expresses his support for the agreement and emphasizes the importance of targeting resources to qualifications that are vital for the state's economy. The Training Minister, Simone McGurk, acknowledges the cooperation between the federal and state governments and the certainty of funding for five years [69839a5e].
In addition to the vocational education and training agreement, a new higher education plan called the Universities Accord has been released, aiming to boost university numbers and support Australia's economic future [98b0f86f]. The plan sets a goal of having at least 80% of the workforce with a VET or university qualification by 2050, up from the current 60%. It also aims to increase the proportion of university-educated Australians aged between 25 to 34 to 55%, up from 45%, and increase the vocational qualifications of that cohort to 40%. The plan emphasizes the need for broader access to university education, including students from under-represented backgrounds such as those from outer suburbs, regions, lower socio-economic, and Indigenous communities. The accord also recommends additional Commonwealth-supported medical places in regional universities and increased job opportunities in relevant areas of study. The report's 47 recommendations are still being considered by the government [98b0f86f].
The Prime Minister addresses questions on the conflict in the Middle East and the situation in Ukraine. He expresses support for Israel's right to defend itself and acknowledges the suffering of both Israeli and Palestinian citizens. He emphasizes the need for responsible language and condemns anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. Regarding Ukraine, the Prime Minister expresses support for the Ukrainian people and condemns Russia's invasion. He affirms Australia's commitment to supporting Ukraine and providing refuge for those fleeing the conflict [69839a5e].
Sources:
[69839a5e] Prime Minister of Australia: [Doorstop - Perth](https://www.pm.gov.au/media/doorstop-perth-0)
[98b0f86f] Muswellbrook Chronicle: [Higher education revamp to 'lift handbrake on economy'](https://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/story/8533586/higher-education-revamp-to-lift-handbrake-on-economy/)