By Corey Everitt
The State Government countered a claim they cut funding to Gembrook’s Halls Outdoor Education by explaining that it is a routine shift of subsidies which are reviewed each year.
Eastern Victoria MP Renee Heath has sponsored a petition calling for the reversal of a “$200,000 cut” to the education outlet which is the only Victorian provider of Certificate III in Outdoor Leadership.
A spokesperson for the State Government explained that this “cut” is a routine shift in funding for student places that is reviewed across the industry each year.
“In 2025 a greater proportion of the Victorian Training Guarantee will go to TAFEs – in particular regional TAFEs – so people can get skilled up for in-demand jobs near where they live,” a State Government spokesperson said.
“More homes mean more opportunity – the 2025 prioritised training will include residential housing construction courses, creating a pipeline of skilled tradespeople to build more homes for Victorians.”
Halls Outdoor Education was informed in December 2024 that their subsidised student places will not remain in 2025, when the Department of Education informs placements to all providers.
These contracts for Registered Training Organisations (RTO) are determined every calendar year as the State Government responds to changes in the labour market and subsidises places for priority industries.
In 2025, the State Government has shifted its funding toward courses in the construction industry and renewable energy, as well as places in foundational literacy and numeracy to ease more in learning a trade.
Many RTOs, including Halls Outdoor Education, have had subsidies withdrawn for student placements in 2025.
Overall, the funding has shifted in 2025 to more regional RTOs to assist smaller communities and aboriginal organisations.
