Government allays TAFE fears

CLAIMS that TAFE students could suffer under budget cuts have been disputed by the State Government.
Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley said large metropolitan TAFEs could be $5 million to $8 million worse off each year, and regional TAFEs will be $500,000 to $700,000 worse off each year under the State Government’s latest cuts.
She said some TAFEs have been forced into deciding how many staff to sack, what facilities to close and what courses they will have to cut.
Shadow Minister for Higher Education and Skills Steve Herbert said the alleged State Government cuts could see fees skyrocket for students and there were serious concerns about student concessions now being axed.
But Minister for Higher Education and Skills Peter Hall’s spokesman James Martin denied the claims.
“The Victorian Coalition Government will be increasing funding in vocational training from around $1.2 billion this year to about $1.3 billion in 2012,” Mr Martin said.
“Every eligible Victorian will continue to receive a government supported training place.”
Mr Martin said the reforms were consistent with recommendations made by the Essential Services Commission in its review of vocational education and training fees and funding, which focus on creating a more competitive, effective and sustainable training system.
Mr Martin said there has been strong growth in a number of areas, but the State Government wanted to ensure funding was best used to support a skilled and highly trained workforce.
He said the State Government recently appointed an expert panel to undertake community consultations into recent proposed reforms.
But Mr Herbert said the State Government’s community consultation was a sham if the Government was making funding decisions before the consultation had started.