Baillieu government TAFE cuts impact Hotham students
The Baillieu government's $290 million cuts to TAFEs will have a devastating impact on students in the Hotham electorate, Simon Crean said.
Our TAFEs are essential in giving people the skills they need to get a secure job.
The Federal Government has invested $224 million in TAFEs over the last four years through projects that have upgraded facilities and equipment in 39 campuses across Victoria, in addition to the $360 million funding provided on average each year.
There has always been a strong partnership approach to TAFE investment across governments – so it is a tragedy that the Baillieu government has slashed funding and broken that partnership.
Investments in skills and training are not costs – they're an investment in the future economic prosperity of a nation, they're an investment governments must make. The Baillieu government is risking significant skills shortages with these short-sighted TAFE cuts.
Since the cuts were revealed, TAFE directors across Victoria have warned of significant staff cuts and course closures to meet the funding shortfall.
During a tour of facilities at Holmesglen TAFE's Moorabbin Campus Simon Crean spoke to staff and students about the impact the cuts will have on courses and services.
Last time the Baillieu government cut funding to TAFEs, Holmesglen lost $4 million and cut 30 jobs. This time, Holmesglen will lose $30 million, which is a third of its State Government funding.
Holmesglen has warned that it can only meet this funding shortfall through more cuts and fee increases, which will have a devastating impact on the education and training of local young people.
Simon Crean encouraged people concerned about the TAFE cuts to sign the online petition.
