Premier Mark McGowan and Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery today announced TAFE fees have been frozen.
The TAFE fee freeze will allow more Western Australians to get the skills they need to get decent jobs and grow our State's economy.
Under the previous Liberal Government, TAFE fees increased by up to 510 per cent. The fee increase put TAFE out of reach for many young Western Australians and caused a drop in enrolments.
Training data from 2013 to 2016 showed a 24.5 per cent drop in people going to TAFE.
The TAFE fee freeze means there will be no further increases to TAFE fees in the McGowan Government's first term.
The cost of the freeze is estimated at $11.8 million over four years, and will be paid for by the new Foreign Buyers Surcharge as promised.
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"The freeze on TAFE fees was an important election commitment that I'm pleased we have delivered.
"The huge increases in fees have prevented young Western Australians from getting the training they need to enter the workforce.
"We recognise the importance of TAFE in preparing young Western Australians for the best possible start to their working lives.
"Today's announcement will encourage Western Australians into training to create more opportunities in important industries."
Comments attributed to Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"At a time of economic stress and a soft labour market, we should be encouraging people into the training sector.
"The previous government's TAFE fee increases put TAFE out of reach for many Western Australians.
"The McGowan Government's TAFE fee freeze will encourage Western Australians back into the training sector and create more jobs."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Education and Training Minister's office - 6552 5700
