The state of Tasmania's TAFE system is in independent senator Jacqui Lambie's sights, as she continues to assert herself following her return to Canberra.
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Senator Lambie holds the balance of power in the Senate, affording her significant influence in the Federal Parliament when it comes to legislation.
In exchange for her support for the government's income tax cuts package, Senator Lambie managed to get Tasmania's $157 million public housing debt to the Commonwealth waived.
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She's stated that she'll be turning her attention to the state's struggling health system, perhaps signalling future deals to be struck with the federal government.
And now Senator Lambie is looking even further ahead, identifying TAFE in Tasmania as an area she wants to focus on.
"There's many kids [in Tasmania] that do not want to go to university," she said.
"And I do not believe we're giving them the [same] opportunities as those who get educated - they get an opportunity to go into university, but we don't seem to be giving the opportunity to the other side and that's not fair."
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Senator Lambie said there was "discrimination" against young Tasmanians who preferred to take up a trade rather than go to university.
Recent data on Tasmanian apprentices and trainees from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research showed that course commencements had dropped 11.5 per cent in the period from March 31, 2015-March 31, 2019, while course completions had plummeted by 27 per cent.
However, the completion rate is the highest in the nation and 10 per cent higher than the national average.
Training Minister Jeremy Rockliff said "these improvements have not occurred by accident".
"You need a strong economy, business confidence, a well-funded TAFE and a high performing training system, which is what the Hodgman majority Liberal government is delivering," he said.
State Labor TAFE and training spokeswoman Michelle O'Byrne said TAFE in Tasmania was "broken".
"That's why we will provide free TAFE courses across key industry sectors where there are skills shortages," she said.
The state government was contacted for comment.
Rob Inglis
Rob Inglis is a reporter with The Examiner, covering state and federal politics. He is based in Hobart.
Rob Inglis is a reporter with The Examiner, covering state and federal politics. He is based in Hobart.
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