$9.7 million promised for tradies get free car rego
Daniel Andrews announced on Tuesday that apprentices of all trades could have their car rego fully paid for if re-elected.
Geelong
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Apprentice tradies will get free vehicle registration if the Labor government is re-elected at this month’s 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 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 lot of money, it would be great for all tradies,” Mr Kaye.
Mr Roberts said, “I paid my rego the other day and it was a fair bit of money.
Apprentices who use their vehicle for work purposes are currently eligible for a 50 per cent discount on their registration, saving them $432 per year.
The new election promise could see them pay no registration at all and have up to $865 back in their pocket to be used for tools, safety equipment and the running costs of their vehicle.
Mr Andrews said $9.7 million 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.”
Mr Andrews said, if re-elected, Labor would 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 crack down on bosses and contractors who refuse to pay sub-contractors for completed works by establishing a parliamentary inquiry.
Tuesday’s announcement builds on a Labor promise that was made on Saturday to invest $4 million to establish a new mental health training program for apprentices of all trades.
Originally published as $9.7 million promised for tradies get free car rego
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