Skip to content
Building Construction, Government Federal

Tradie skills spend will boost construction: CFMEU

CFMEU < 1 mins read

The CFMEU has strongly endorsed the Albanese Government’s federal budget boost for apprenticeships and traineeships in the construction industry.

As part of the package announced on Wednesday, the government will fund an additional 15,000 fee-free construction TAFE and VET places over two years from 2025.

There is also new funding for industry training providers, including sector-leading programs run by building industry unions.

CFMEU National Secretary Zach Smith said the announcement showed the government was serious about addressing skills shortages.

“This investment will mean more apprentices and trainees will get the training they need to build critical housing and infrastructure that Australia desperately needs,” he said.

“Our union’s training organisations have an impressive record of helping more Indigenous workers and women find construction jobs, so more support will make a real difference.

“There’s an often-overlooked distinction between apprenticeships and traineeships but thankfully the government recognises the importance of both – that's critical to addressing construction skills gaps.

“Groups like Master Builders are hell bent on distorting the facts on skills because they want more easily exploited unskilled migrant workers.

“The CFMEU proudly supports permanent skilled migration based on evidence that is in touch with not only the reality of the industry but also human decency.”


Contact details:

Matt Coughlan 0400 561 480 / matt@hortonadvisory.com.au

More from this category

  • CharitiesAidWelfare, Government Federal
  • 07/02/2025
  • 15:06
Community Housing Industry Association

CHIA welcomes allocation of grants to improve veteran housing

CHIA welcomes allocation of grants to improve veteran housing The Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) has welcomed the allocation of $30 million in federal government funding to address veteran housing and homelessness. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs today announced 13 grants have been awarded to 10 ex-service organisations and veteran-aware Community Housing Providers as part of the Veterans’ Acute Housing Program. Part of this money is being funded by the Housing Australia Future Fund, and will include $24 million in capital works to bolster the availability of crisis and transitional housing, while another $6 million will go towards addressing risk…

  • Building Construction, Political
  • 06/02/2025
  • 16:15
Hume Community Housing

Planning alert: 930am 7 Feb 25 Parramatta_sodturn

***PIC FAC & GRABS*** Federal Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness, the Hon Clare O’Neil MP will join Hume Community Housing and Mono Constructions for the official sod turn on new social and affordable housing development for Parramatta WHEN: 9:30am, Friday 7 January 2025 WHERE: 8-10 Collett Parade, Parramatta NSW Federal Member for Parramatta, State Member for Parramatta and Lord Mayor of Parramatta City Council will also be in attendance. About us: About Hume Housing Hume Housing is a Community Housing Provider with more than 30 years of experience delivering affordable and social housing across New South Wales. One…

  • Government Federal
  • 06/02/2025
  • 15:51
Catholic Health Australia

Catholic Health Australia welcomes the federal government’s $1.7bn funding of public hospitals

Comments attributable to Jason Kara, Catholic Health Australia CEO:Catholic Health Australia welcomes the federal government’s $1.7bn funding of public hospitals.The single-year funding deal will create the space for Government to properly negotiate the next 5-year national health reform agreement.This is new investment in our national health system and the funding will directly support people in need across the entire health system. We congratulate the Government on this step.In the years ahead, it's importantthat the Commonwealth, States and Territories, and other key health stakeholders get that national agreement right. As a first principle, we must be cognisant of shifting clinical practices…

Media Outreach made fast, easy, simple.

Feature your press release on Medianet's News Hub every time you distribute with Medianet. Pay per release or save with a subscription.