Free tradies rego vow
APPRENTICE tradies have been promised free vehicle registration if the Labor government is re-elected at this month’s state election.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced in Geelong on Tuesday that apprentices from all trades would be eligible for the free registration as part of a bid to relieve rising cost-of-living pressures.
The Gordon TAFE Certificate III carpentry apprentices Tom Kaye and Lewis Roberts said the election commitment would boost their savings.
“It would be so helpful and it would save me a lot of money, it would be great for all tradies,” Mr Kaye said.
Mr Roberts said, “I paid my rego the other day and it
was a fair bit of money. It would be great for those who struggle a bit more and have a few more expenses.”
Apprentices who use their vehicle for work purposes are currently eligible for a 50 per cent discount on registration, saving $432 a year.
Labor’s promise could see apprentices pay no registration at all and have up to $865 in their pockets to be used for
tools, safety equipment and the running costs of vehicles.
Mr Andrews said $9.7m would be invested into the free registration package over four years for all apprentices, including electricians, plumbers, hairdressers and chefs.
“It’s a simple way that we can provide credible, tangible cost of living relief,” he said.
“Apprentices are so important to the economy of our
state so we want to take better care of them.”
He said, if re-elected, Labor would also establish an apprenticeship taskforce to improve safety and fairness for apprentices within their chosen trade.
The taskforce would see workers, union officials and industry leaders collaborate to improve accountability for employers, simplify complaint
reporting and improving training plans.
Mr Andrews also pledged to establish a parliamentary inquiry to crack down on bosses and contractors who refused to pay sub-contractors for completed work.
The announcements build on a previous promise to invest $4m to establish a mental health training program for apprentices of all trades.