Labor’s strong focus on skills and training welcome

The Opposition Leader’s strong focus on skills and training in his Budget Reply is welcomed by Master Builders Australia.

Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia said, “Labor’s plan to tackle skills shortages by scrapping upfront fees for 100,000 TAFE students and modernising TAFE facilities is a very positive step as our industry strives to attract more apprentices. But Master Builders will engage with Labor on the need to support an open and contestable national training system that provides students and employers with choices to access the most relevant training to secure a job.”

“Master Builders has called for innovation in VET and welcomes Labor’s support for 10,000 pre-apprenticeship programs that promote the advantages of a trade qualification. We believe this is an important pathway to promoting a career in the building and construction industry,” she said.

“Labor’s support for small business, including personal income tax cuts that will benefit unincorporated businesses is commended and we look forward to seeing more detail,” Denita Wawn said.

“Ensuring small businesses have a greater role in terms of local procurement is an admirable goal, but once again more detail is required,” she said.

“Labor’s ongoing strong commitment to fund major infrastructure projects that meet the needs of our community is supported by Master Builders,” Denita Wawn said.

“Master Builders wants more detail on Labor’s IR proposals. We are concerned that if they are closely aligned with those put forward by the ACTU they will have adverse consequences for our industry and the community. The solution is not to give unions more power at the expense of workers,” Denita Wawn said.