General Debate

Key Apprenticeship Program

House of Representatives · Monday 2 March 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate centred on a motion moved by the Australian Labor Party to commend the government's Key Apprenticeship Program (KAP) for addressing skills shortages and supporting housing construction. Labor members highlighted that over 11,400 apprentices had commenced training in the first six months, citing increased incentives and permanent free TAFE as key successes. Opposition and independent members raised concerns about declining apprentice numbers compared to the previous year, high dropout rates, and the need for permanent funding certainty. The debate concluded with the motion being put to the House.

Outcome

The motion was put to the House after the debate concluded.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Jerome Laxale (Bennelong) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Laxale moved the motion to acknowledge the success of the Key Apprenticeship Program, noting that 11,407 apprentices had commenced housing construction trades since July 2025. The member argued that the $10,000 incentive payments and increased living away from home allowances were vital for addressing the worst skills shortage in 50 years. Laxale credited the government with reversing the neglect of the previous administration, which had reduced TAFE funding and apprentice numbers. The member emphasised that these measures supported young Australians, particularly those under 19, and helped balance gender gaps through targeted programs like the Building Women's Careers Program.

Opposition response

Sam Birrell (Nicholls) (National Party) Nationals

Birrell declined to commend the government, arguing that apprentice commencements had declined by 29.2 per cent in the June 2025 quarter compared to the previous year. The member stated that active apprentice contracts had fallen significantly since the coalition government left office, indicating a backward trend in the sector. Birrell criticised the free TAFE policy, suggesting that industry needed better quality vocational education rather than just free access. The member advocated for a system more closely aligned with industry needs, similar to the German model observed during a Churchill Fellowship.

Andrew Wallace (Fisher) (Liberal National Party) LNP oppose

Wallace encouraged young people to pursue trades, highlighting the financial rewards and career flexibility they offer. The member argued that the government had created a housing crisis, with a deficit of 100,000 homes annually due to insufficient tradespeople. Wallace attributed the skills shortage to years of neglect by the current administration, contrasting the value of trade qualifications with university education.
Mary Doyle (Aston) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Doyle highlighted that Victoria was leading the nation in apprenticeship commencements under the Key Apprenticeship Program, with 3,415 new apprentices in the first six months. The member detailed the structure of the $10,000 incentive payments and noted increases in support for apprentices with disabilities and those living away from home. Doyle argued that these targeted reforms addressed cost-of-living pressures and reversed the damage caused by previous untargeted schemes with high dropout rates.
Dai Le (Fowler) (Independent) Ind mixed

Le acknowledged the 14,000 new commencements but questioned whether these figures represented genuine growth or normal intake levels against an 83,000-person tradesperson shortfall. The member expressed concern over high dropout rates and the stress faced by small businesses due to red tape and uncertainty. Le called on the government to make the Key Apprenticeship Program and priority hiring incentives permanent in the upcoming budget to provide long-term certainty for employers.
Tracey Roberts (Pearce) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Roberts commended the program for delivering real outcomes in Western Australia, particularly in fast-growing regions like Pearce. The member emphasised that the $10,000 incentive and increased living away from home allowances supported apprentices through the full duration of their training. Roberts argued that these measures aligned with the National Housing Accord and ensured that vocational education remained a respected pathway to secure employment.
Libby Coker (Corangamite) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Coker supported the motion, citing data that showed 22 per cent more construction apprentices in training compared to 2019. The member highlighted the benefits for small businesses, which employ 85 per cent of apprentices, and noted that 95 per cent of trade apprentices found work after completion. Coker criticised the opposition for vowing to scrap the program, arguing that it was essential for delivering homes and addressing the skills shortage.

Opened by

Jerome Laxale (Bennelong) (Australian Labor Party)

ALP

Speeches

7 speeches, 5 other contributors

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About House of Representatives debates

The House of Representatives debates bills, motions and matters of public importance in its main chamber. Members from all parties can take part, and the responsible minister usually replies for the government. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; always check the official record before quoting.