Labor builds while the Liberals slash and burn

A stark contrast between the opposing sides in this years federal election was presented with the Gillard Labor Government releasing its policy on national trade cadetships, and the Opposition announcing cuts to several public service programs.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard (pictured at a regional training centre) announced a $3 million plan for students in years nine to 12 to have the option of studying a trade at a Trade Training Centre.

The plan, unveiled at one of the centres in western Sydney, will allow students to earn credits towards an apprenticeship through training undertaken at school. The trade training cadetships will be recognised nation wide and is part of the Governments plan to address the skills shortage.

On the other hand, Federal Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, keen to put the embarassment of the WorkChoices backflip behind him, went into usual Liberal Party territory by announcing the abolition of a series of federal government programs.

The announcement by the Coalition is additional to the proposed cuts to the national broadband network, the school building (BER) and computers in schools program, and the GP super clinics.