Anthony Albanese announces major cash splash: Here’s what it means for you

An additional 20,000 training places will be funded under a $90 million national package to boost the number of traditional construction and housing projects.

About 15,000 free TAFE and VET places will be made available over two years from January 1 to tackle Australia’s housing crisis.

Next week’s federal budget for 2024/25 will also provide an additional 5,000 places on pre-apprenticeship programmes.

A further $1.8 million will be spent to streamline and accelerate the assessment of the skills of approximately 1,900 potential migrants with qualifications in construction and housing, and to process the assessment of newcomers in certain professions.

The federal government wants to build an additional 1.2 million homes as Australia’s population, currently almost 27 million people, grows.

Skills Minister Brendan O’Connor said the package would support and strengthen Australia’s housing capacity.

“This is a great opportunity for people to gain a profession while at the same time accessing government incentives and reducing pressure on the cost of living through more affordable housing,” he said.

Housing Minister Julie Collins said increasing housing supply is the best way to tackle the country’s shortage.

“More homes mean more affordable options for everyone – whether they’re buying, renting or need a safe place to stay at night,” she said.

“But to build more houses we need more tradies, and that’s what this announcement will deliver.

“It’s just one way we’re working together across government to build the homes Australia needs.”

Since December, more than 355,000 students have been supported by free TAFE.

The package showed the government is serious about tackling skills shortages, the union representing construction workers said.

“There is often an overlooked distinction between apprenticeships and internships, but fortunately the government recognizes the importance of both – which is key to tackling construction skills gaps,” said CFMEU National Secretary Zach Smith.

Construction industry groups also welcomed the initiative.

“We have worked closely with the government to make this policy a reality,” said Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia.

“If we want to have any chance of building enough housing, we must prioritize building the capacity of the industry.”

The Urban Development Institute of Australia said it was “strongly encouraged” by the funding.