These Coalition MPs have been accused of promoting a policy they branded ‘reckless socialism’

Critics have blasted seven Coalition MPs for backflipping to promote a free education program they branded ‘reckless socialism’, and voted against.

Coalition MPs have been blasted as “disingenuous” after they promoted the government’s free TAFE program to voters despite voting against it and labelling it as “reckless” “socialism”.

Seven Coalition MPs have distributed material to constituents in their electorates promoting the government’s free TAFE policy as part of a school leavers guide for young Australians.

They include assistant treasury spokesman Luke Howarth, regional education spokesman Darren Chester, Flynn MP Colin Boyce, Wide Bay MP Llew O’Brien, Grey MP Rowan Ramsay, Forrest MP Nola Marino and Nicholls MP Sam Birrell.

The guides were branded with the MP’s faces and include a letter to constituents telling them about the different pathways they can take after graduating high school.

Among the most vocal critics was Mr Chester, who said the Free TAFE bill was a “reckless” policy before likening it to socialism.

Coalition MPs have sent out School Leavers Guides that also promote the government's Fee Free TAFE scheme. Picture: Supplied

Darren Chester. (Photo by Sam Mooy/Getty Images)

“That really is at the core of today’s debate on the Free TAFE Bill 2023. The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money,” he told parliament.

“Nothing is actually ever free, it’s always someone else’s money and in this case the someone else whose money is to pay for Labor’s reckless promise is the Australian taxpayer.”

Luke Howarth has also promoted the scheme in the guide. Picture: Supplied

The School Leavers Guide. Picture: Supplied

The Albanese government blasted the cohort of MPs for spruiking the very policies they opposed, pointing to Mr Chester’s comments.

“It’s completely disingenuous for these Coalition MPs to stand up in parliament and block Labor’s Free TAFE Bill, but go home to their communities and tout how good this legacy Labor policy is,” Skills Minister Andrew Giles said.

“Australians will see right through this Liberal tactic of doing and saying anything to get voters on side.”

But the Coalition hit back, saying the guides were not promoting Labor — rather informing their constituents of options available to them under current policies.

A spokesman for Coalition deputy leader Sussan Ley said the materials were designed to reflect policies of the day.

“The fact that Andrew Giles has briefed out an attack on the Coalition for giving students information about their options is a sad reflection on the priorities of this minister,” they said.

“Fee-free TAFE is paid for by taxpayers, not the Labor Party.”