59170 (2025). Shanan Halbert to the Minister for Vocational Education

59170 (2025). Shanan Halbert to the Minister for Vocational Education: What extra funding or support, if any, will be given to Polytechnics to help them achieve the goals outlined in the Tertiary Education Strategy?

Hon Penny Simmonds: The Government invested over $944 million in the polytechnic sector in 2024 via the Tertiary Education Commission’s investment process. The Government has allocated $20 million per year for two years (2026 and 2027) to support strategically important provision in polytechnics during their transition to regional-based delivery. This funding is split into two streams: • Transitional Support for Strategically Important Provision (SIP) Fund. In my capacity as the Minister for Vocational Education, I have delegated to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) the establishment of this fund. $10 million per year is available to allocate to polytechnics, to support and maintain provision aligned with Government priorities. • Grants under section 556 of the Education and Training Act 2020. In my capacity as the Minister for Vocational Education, I will distribute $10 million per year to address regionally specific needs that are in the national interest but may not meet the SIP Fund criteria. The Tertiary Education Strategy will inform how this funding is prioritised and the performance expectations that will go with it. It will also inform ongoing policy decisions, including via the Budget process. As for all providers, the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) sets appropriate expectations for all investment plans and will provide additional support to polytechnics during the development of their Plans.