$100m joint VET package targets stronger pathways for First Nations students across NSW

First Nations students across New South Wales are set to receive expanded training supports under a $100 million joint investment by the Albanese and Minns governments, aimed at strengthening Aboriginal-led training organisations and improving pathways from study into work.

The funding package (split evenly between the Commonwealth and NSW) will direct the bulk of investment into Aboriginal Community Controlled and First Nations-owned training providers, alongside funding to grow the First Nations VET teaching workforce and lift capability across mainstream training providers.

NSW’s Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said, “This combined $100 million investment is about backing First Nations students across New South Wales through improved training quality and support.”

Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said the investment is designed to keep students engaged and support long-term outcomes. “We’re making sure VET works better for students, families and communities across New South Wales by strengthening training and student support” he said.

The NSW government says the package will support mentoring, wellbeing services and outreach for students in metropolitan, regional and remote areas and strengthen the role of Aboriginal Community Controlled training organisations. A portion of the funding will also be used for Aboriginal-led research and evaluation, intended to strengthen accountability and continuous improvement.

National Indigenous Times reported the investment includes support for training delivery, improved course content, infrastructure upgrades and student support services, with a focus on regional and remote First Nations students.

Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW CEO Nicole Turner said the investment will also support workforce development in health settings, stating: “Building on an already strong foundation, this investment will support Aboriginal Community Controlled Registered Training Organisations (ACCRTOs) to enhance workforce capability and deliver culturally safe, community-led training.”

The announcement lands ahead of National Closing the Gap Day, as governments and community organisations face ongoing pressure to translate commitments into measurable outcomes. Education and employment targets under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap remain a central focus, with advocates consistently calling for Aboriginal community control, culturally safe training environments and stable resourcing to improve outcomes.

The funding is expected to be delivered in partnership with Aboriginal training and community organisations, with governments positioning co-design as central to implementation.