More than 70 people filled the golfers’ lounge at Moruya Golf Club on Wednesday night for a forum about proposed changes to the structure of TAFE.
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Federal TAFE secretary Pat Forward, NSW Labor candidate for Bega Leanne Atkinson, Greens MP John Kaye and South Coast Labor Council representative Arthur Morris were among the featured speakers at the meeting, which railed against the NSW’s Government’s proposed Skilled and Smart reforms.
Labor, the Greens and TAFE representatives are concerned about the reforms which they say will reduce students, teachers, courses and the present capacity of TAFE.
“The meeting was a roaring success,” Mr Kaye said.
“There were three times as many people there as I expected. They sent a serious message to (Bega MP) Andrew Constance. He will continue to have problems as long as he supports Smart and Skilled.
“It was a feisty audience of people very angry that the integrity of TAFE colleges will be compromised.”
Ms Forward presented a slide show about the effects similar changes had in Victoria and expressed her dismay about too much funding going to private education at the expense of public education.
“There are too many private schools,” she said.
Ms Atkinson agreed with recent statements made by Mr Constance regarding TAFE.
“He said that TAFE should be talked up, not down, and I agree,” she said.
“He said that TAFE is the number one provider of employment and I agree, and that TAFE needs to be strong, and I agree.”
However, she went on voice her direct opposition to Smart and Skilled.
Mr Constance was invited to the meeting, but had prior commitments and was unable to attend.
A seat with a sign with his name and title on it was left otherwise empty in front of the audience.
Mr Constance told the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner the Smart and Skilled reforms were designed to enhance job opportunities for jobseekers.
“It is really important to understand that this government has worked tirelessly to protect public education, including putting $2.3 billion into the vocational education and training sector, and it is unacceptable that the unions, Labor and the Greens just blow in and launch a scare campaign,” he said.
Mr Constance said that TAFE needed to be more competitive.
“Courses offered need to be aligned with local regional industries,” he said.
“Labor would have it that government subsidies would be provided for recreational courses. Some people say that Moruya TAFE will shut down; well, give us the evidence.
“I am willing to meet with local teachers and students about their concerns.”