In damning new data released today by the National Productivity Commission, Queensland students in VET training have dropped by 33,700 from 2015 to 2017.
Alarmingly, Queensland was the only mainland state in the nation to experience a decline in training numbers.
LNP Skills and Training spokeswoman Fiona Simpson slammed the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s failure to support Queensland students.
“It is disgraceful that 33,700 fewer VET students are being trained while the state’s unemployment rate continues to be amongst the highest in the country,” Ms Simpson said.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk has shamefully allowed Queensland to go backwards while every other mainland state has increased training numbers.
“Labor’s self-serving priorities are dragging the state down by blocking training opportunities for Queenslanders who are trying to get ahead.
“Instead of investing in students Labor have been splurging millions on TAFE Queensland executive travel, hospitality expenses, golden handshakes and Commonwealth Games tickets.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk also recently refused $245 million in desperately-needed vocational training funding from the Federal Government under a new national partnership.
“That $245 million of vocational training funds could have been used to help young Queenslanders make a start in their careers.
“To get our economy back on track, we need more students completing VET training to give them the best chance of getting a job.”
Source: Data table attached, report link - https://www.pc.gov.au/research/ongoing/report-on-government-services/2019/child-care-education-and-training/vocational-education-and-training/rogs-2019-partb-chapter5.pdf
