Australians under-represented in the workplace would have greater access to training under a proposed multibillion-dollar skills agreement.
The federal government is looking to provide an extra $4.1 billion (US$2.71 billion) for a five-year national skills agreement with states and territories.
The money would include $3.7 billion of commonwealth funding on top of $400 million that would support 300,000 fee-free vocational education places.
Skills Minister Brendan O’Connor said states and territories would get the funds should they meet national priorities and reform measures that were agreed to by the national cabinet ahead of last year’s Jobs and Skills Summit.
“I am seeking an agreement that enables more Australians, especially those who have been excluded and under-represented in the workforce, to gain the skills needed for secure, well-paid work and to reach their full potential,” O’Connor said….