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Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivered the 2022-23 Federal Budget in Canberra . Picture : Martin Ollman / Getty Images .
On the money
What ’ s in the federal budget for higher education ?
By Emilie Lauer and Eleanor Campbell
Vocational education emerged as the centrepiece of the Labor government ’ s higher education budget , with nationwide skills shortages and high cost-of-living tabled as key priority areas .
In its 2022-23 budget the government set aside $ 1 billion dollars into Australia ’ s TAFE and VET sectors over the next 5 years , with 480,000 fee-free TAFE courses set aside for areas of high skills need , including aged care and construction .
New TAFE and VET places will focus on priority cohorts , including Indigenous Australians , people living with disability , women , job seekers and youth .
“ Tonight , we fund a better future for vocational education ,” Treasurer Jim Chalmers said in his speech .
“ No Australian should be denied – by poverty , by postcode , or by lack of privilege – their chance at a better future .”
Chalmers also announced $ 486 million dollars to fund an additional 20,000 university places over the next four years for students , with nearly a quarter of places reserved for education degrees .
Charles Darwin University , the University of Wollongong and Curtin University won the bulk of new placements , which will be held for students from disadvantaged backgrounds .
Universities Australia Chief Catriona Jackson welcomed the news and said Australia needed “ more university-educated workers , not fewer .”
“ More than half of the one million jobs expected to be created in the next five years will require a university degree ,” she said .
“ We know that a skilled workforce is a productive workforce , and a productive workforce drives economic growth and a higher standard of living for all Australians .”
The government also allocated $ 2.7 million to develop the country ’ s first
Australian Universities Accord , which will oversee sector wide reform .
NTEU President Alison Barnes said she hopes the group will address the previous government ’ s “ disastrous ” Jobs-ready graduate policy .
“ Adding more student places doesn ’ t fix this unfair funding model ,” Barnes said .
“ That ’ s why we welcome the government ’ s commitment to a sectorwide review .”
The budget also contained measures to scrap the 10 per cent discount given to students who are able to pay their HECS loans upfront , which the government believes will save $ 144.1 million over four years .
International students will also benefit from this year ’ s budget , with the government pledging $ 42.2 million to clear Australia ’ s visa backlog and ramp up visa processing .
Chalmers announced that working restrictions for overseas students will stay relaxed until June 2023 , giving them the opportunity to work unlimited hours in areas of skill shortages . ■
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