Nirimbah TAFE students Andrew Rylewski, Western Sydney — Free TAFE coordinator Jessica Mills and Federation Assistant General Secretary (Post-School Education) Phil Bradley at the rally.

Walk a week in our thongs

Treasurer Michael Egan has been invited to "walk a week" in the footwear of students who will be hit by the hike in TAFE fees.

TAFE students rallied outside State Parliament House on November 19 in opposition to the fees proposed for 2004.

Students wanted to present Treasurer Michael Egan with rubber thongs, telling the stories of how he would destroy their educational opportunities.

This did not happen but the thongs and a book of the students' stories about their circumstances will be presented to Mr Egan at a later time.

TAFE TA Secretary Linda Simon said the Carr Government was participating in a "deliberate dumbing down of the community".

"Instead of encouraging people to gain additional qualifications and to aim for better jobs and expanded career opportunities, this State Government is pricing courses beyond the means of ordinary people," Ms Simon said.

"The Premier still has the opportunity to stop this decision to increase fees and to prevent his government making a dreadful mistake."

NSW fees among highest, even before hike

Efforts made to improve restructure plan

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November 2003 contents