The country’s largest union, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), has welcomed the Albanese Government’s commitment to expanding fee-free TAFE courses.

ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler said enduring funding for free TAFE study would help address skills shortages in the nursing and aged care workforces and save students thousands of dollars a year in TAFE course fees.

“TAFE courses have proven to be a success in providing students with ‘hands-on’ training and placements in relevant healthcare settings, helping build the nation’s nursing and aged care workforce, to meet the needs of our growing, ageing population,” Ms Butler said.

“We’ve been delighted that, so far, over 300,000 women have enrolled in fee-free courses across various sectors, including nursing, aged care and disability services.

“In a cost-of-living crisis, the Albanese Government’s commitment to continue with free TAFE courses, will save a student nurse thousands of dollars a year in course fees. For example, in Queensland, a student enrolled in a Diploma of Nursing course would save almost $16,000.

“We need to urgently grow the next generation of high-quality health and aged care workers and removing cost-barriers like these will continue to attract students into care industries which are still struggling to find suitably-trained staff.

“Fee-free TAFE courses will help recruit new enrolled nurses into the profession and deliver a pipeline of suitably-trained job-ready workers and the ANMF commends the Government on its commitment to supporting the health and aged care workforce,” Ms Butler said.

The ANMF, with over 326,000 members, is the industrial and professional voice for nurses, midwives and carers in Australia.

ANMF media release authorised by Annie Butler, ANMF Federal Secretary. 1/365 Queen St, Melbourne. 

ANMF media inquiries: Richard Lenarduzzi 0411 254 390