TAFE students Kylie Druett, Fiona Johnson, Jessica Mills and George Samuel, campaigning against proposed rises in TAFE fees, addressed Federation Council on October 25. Free TAFE is a coalition of TAFE students across NSW advocating free access to TAFE courses. Their website address is www.FreeTAFE.com.

Students in revolt over fees

By Linda Simon

Some 20 TAFE students from colleges in western Sydney held a lobbying day at Parliament House on October 29.

These students were part of the group calling themselves the Western Sydney Free TAFE student network, and are just one of the student groups that have arisen in TAFE colleges opposing the fees proposed for next year. Three of the coordinators are from Nirimba College of TAFE, studying welfare courses.

The day involved the students addressing the Greens, Opposition education spokesperson Jillian Skinner, and a group of Labor Parliamentarians. Education Minister Dr Andrew Refshauge has agreed to meet with the students at a later date. The students also gave a press conference and told stories of the hardships that they and many others would face due to the fees.

The students were magnificent, a real tribute to the education system and TAFE. I've heard many a politician give a speech or press conference that could not be considered to be anywhere near as effective as the speeches given by these students. Many of these students were attending TAFE in its role in second chance education.

There were several men who had to change careers due to workplace injuries, and women who wanted to re-enter the workforce in careers that had meaning for them. These are the types of students that the Carr Labor Government is hurting. They are people who have budgeted for certain costs over their course, and are now finding these costs have blown out. Do they buy clothes for the kids or go to TAFE next year? At the same time, we are hearing more and more stories about extravagant materials charges being imposed on students, including the expectation that students will have to bring their own photocopying paper.

Students in the Illawarra, part of the Students in TAFE Action Group (STAG) also met with politicians, first at Parliament House and then on November 3 at Wollongong TAFE. Illawarra politicians have given undertakings that they will raise the issues again with the Minister.

TAFE students have further activities planned. On November 19 there will be a rally at Parliament House at 1pm for TAFE students and teachers. On November 13, there will be a media event at Parliament House. The students have laid down the challenge to Treasurer Michael Egan to "take off his Versace loafers" and "Walk a Week in their Shoes". To highlight this event, the students and the TAFE Teachers Association are collecting rubber thongs to take to Parliament House. There should be a collection box set up at each TAFE college for these rubber thongs. Let me know where they can be collected. I can be contacted on (02) 9217 2311 or via email at linda@nswtf.org.au.

TAFE TA will continue to fight these fees, and all members should work with students in opposing them.

Linda Simon is TAFE TA Secretary.

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TAFE matters

WollonGONGs send signal to Government

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November 2003 contents