A new body has been set up to manage state-owned TAFE properties on a “commercial basis”.

The Opposition says it is an attempt to wring more money out of the Queensland’s TAFE sector, but the State Government says it only wants to improve access for other training organisations.

A Bill (PDF) has passed in Queensland Parliament to establish the Queensland Training Assets Management Authority, an independent authority to manage TAFE assets.

Public Works Minister Tim Mander denies it is about selling assets or reducing services.

He says the Authority will try to drum-up extra business.

“TAFEs across the state are empty 60 per cent of the time,” Mr Mander told the ABC.

“This Bill responds to the demand from training organisations across the state to access valuable facilities and boost the provision of VET state-wide by properly utilising assets that have been running on empty long before this Government came to office.”

The Queensland Opposition says it is an ideological assault.

The Opposition education spokesperson said the LNP Government is planning to sell-off TAFE assets, breaking down the public’s share of the vocational training market and opening the door to the private sector.