The federal government has struck a deal with the states and territories with up to $13 billion extra invested within the vocational and education training sector.
Businesses have been clamouring for more skills and training within the workforce.
Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor joined Sky News Australia to discuss the new national skills agreement.
“We negotiated with eight other governments to land this agreement – the first time in a decade,” Mr O’Connor told Sky News Australia.
“Which will provide an agreement that will strategically invest in skill areas that are in demand today and tomorrow.”
National cabinet have signed off on a new $12.6 billion five year funding agreement for the vocational and training sector, which the government hopes will address critical skill shortages in important areas of the economy.
Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor says the number of jobs on the critical occupation list went from 153 to 286 in a twelve month period before they were even elected.
“That underlines the challenges we face, so too the agenda of the government – and indeed I’d say of all governments – to respond to the need to deliver net zero emissions by 2050. That cannot happen without the supply of skills.”
The announcement has done little to move the Coalition off their main message, which remains focused on referendum recriminations.
