On Monday 10 November, I will commence as CEO of the Victorian TAFE Association.

I start with the core belief in the power of public TAFE as a life-changing public good and the essential backbone of Victorians’ economic and social future.

Our public TAFE network is vital to tackling inequality and fulfilling a core promise to every Victorian: the right to a better future, a decent job, and a good life. Our public TAFEs ensure this opportunity isn’t based on your wallet.

The TAFE system is where we build our collective, sovereign capability. TAFE trains the carers, coders, chefs, nurses, designers, mechanics, tradies and engineers of tomorrow. TAFE graduates build the homes, power the energy transition, lay the train tracks, care for the elderly, create art and design, and support young people. As a union official, I saw first hand how vocational education is one of the most powerful and effective ways to tackle disadvantage, and improve social and economic inclusion. And it gives everyday people real skills that means they have far greater bargaining power to collectively improve their wages and working conditions.

Since 2019, policies introduced by the Victorian Labor Government, like Free TAFE have proven that removing financial barriers works, enabling hundreds of thousands of Victorians, including women, migrants, and people with a disability, to gain vital skills. Free TAFE shows that we can invest in skills and training for everyday people without marketisation.

Recently, TAFE Minister Gayle Tierney said we should “defend TAFE like it’s Medicare” — this is something that I strongly agree with. Our public TAFEs are critical public goods that need to be protected and strengthened for generations to come.

I look forward to working closely with my new members (the TAFEs), the government, unions (especially the AEU and NTEU), TAFE teachers and professional staff, TAFE students, industry and employers, and the community to ensure TAFE has sustainable funding, infrastructure investment, and policy support to deliver a better, brighter future for all.

In taking this role, I’ll be stepping into the shoes of Dugald Murray, who I had the pleasure of working with closely while I worked for Minister Tierney. I also want to thank Lizzy O’Shea who held the fort as acting CEO. Finally, I want to thank the VTA board and board chair Allison Jenvey — it will be great to work with all of you.