Australian Labor Party Election Promise: 465,000 Free TAFE Places, 20,000 More University Places

Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese delivers a speech to Labor supporters at the Wests Ashfield Leagues Club in Sydney, Australia, on Dec. 5, 2021. AAP Image/Dean Lewins

Labor Party Leader Anthony Albanese announced on Dec. 5 that Australians studying in an industry with a skills shortage will be supported through free TAFE under its $1.2 billion (US$840 million) tertiary education funding election promise.

Labor’s Future Made in Australia Skills Plan aims to provide Australians free access to TAFE, create more university places, and address the skill shortages restraining the recovery from COVID-19.