Rockliffe Government’s $45 Million TasTafe Cuts An Attack On Tasmania’s Future
Australian Education Union Media Release 28th April 2026
The Australian Education Union has condemned the Rockliff Government’s cuts to TasTAFE, warning they will undermine skills, jobs, and access to education across the state.
A resolution of the National TAFE Council Executive Annual General Meeting formally condemned the State Government’s sustained attacks on TasTAFE, including the ongoing funding cuts, privatisation, and restructuring.
AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said the planned $45 million in cuts to TasTAFE represents a direct attack on public vocational education and the Tasmanian communities that rely on it.
“TasTAFE is essential to Tasmania’s economic future and social equity. It is a critical public institution that underpins skills development, workforce participation, and social equity across Tasmania,” Ms Haythorpe said.
“These cuts are already reducing course availability, putting jobs at risk, and limiting access for students, especially in regional and disadvantaged communities.”
“The Rockliff Government’s plans are also at odds with the intent of the National Skills Agreement, which is designed to strengthen, not erode, public TAFE. We want a guarantee that public investment supports public provision, not private for-profit providers.”
AEU Tasmania President David Genford said the Rockliff Government’s actions were already being felt across the state.
“The planned $45 million cuts to TasTAFE are not just numbers; they represent an attack on our community’s future,” Genford said.
“The slashing of courses, the sacking of teachers and staff, and the scrapping of course subsidies are direct consequences of this Liberal Government. Staff are asking, ‘Is my industry next?’ That level of uncertainty is devastating for the workforce and for the students who rely on them.”
“TasTAFE is not just an education provider, it is a pillar of our community. Unlike private providers that often prioritise profit, TasTAFE delivers high-quality, accredited training that meets the needs of workers and communities.”
The AEU is calling on the Tasmanian Government to immediately restore and increase funding to TasTAFE, protect the jobs of TAFE teachers and staff, and commit to TasTAFE remaining a fully publicly owned and publicly funded institution.
The AEU has raised this with Minister Giles requesting that the Commonwealth Government ensure that National Skills Agreement funding is used to strengthen and expand public TAFE, including TasTAFE, and ensure that federal investment is not used to support the privatisation of Tasmania’s vocational education system.
