Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price
Shadow Minister for Small Business, Skills and Training
Senator for the Northern Territory

CONSTRUCTION APPRENTICESHIPS HIT FIVE-YEAR LOW

New data showing construction apprenticeships have fallen to a five-year low is a warning sign for Labor’s housing agenda and a reminder that Australia cannot build more homes without more tradies.

Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price said the latest figures expose a growing disconnect between Labor’s housing promises and its approach to skills and training.

“At the very moment Australia needs more tradies to build homes and critical infrastructure, construction apprenticeship numbers are heading in the wrong direction,” Senator Nampijinpa Price said.

“The latest figures show more construction apprentices are leaving their training than successfully completing it. That should alarm a Government that has made housing supply one of its central promises.”

“Labor has cut $266 million from apprenticeship incentives while spending more on bureaucracy and advice. Australians are entitled to ask whether this Government values skilled workers or bureaucracy more.”

“Every apprenticeship represents independence, a career and a future. When governments make it harder for businesses to train apprentices, they are not simply reducing workforce numbers — they are reducing opportunity.”

“You cannot build homes, strengthen industry or improve productivity without skilled workers. Businesses need workers. Apprentices need support. Australia needs more tradies.”

ENDS