Apprentices and tradies will receive a helping hand to tackle cost of living expenses if Labor is re-elected on November 26.
Labor has pledged to invest $9.7 million to deliver cost of living relief and make vehicle registration free for eligible apprentices, including those in Melbourne’s north.
It has also promised to establish an Apprenticeships Taskforce to improve safety and fairness for apprentices as they get started in their careers and a parliamentary inquiry to crack down on bosses and contractors who refuse to pay their sub-contractors for completed works.
Apprentices who need their car for work are currently entitled to a 50 per cent discount on their registration that saves them $432 per year – this change would make registration fully free, a saving of up to $865 per year.
Premier Daniel Andrews said apprentices were the lifeblood of the state’s Big Build.
“We know too many tradies are experiencing wage theft or losing too much time chasing late payments for jobs. It’s unacceptable and Labor will do something about it,” he said.
Roads and Road Safety Minister Ben Carroll said bricklayers, carpenters, joiners, electricians, plumbers and chefs will be among the apprentices eligible for free registration.
