Students refused access

PHIL BRADLEY reports on the campaign against increased TAFE fees.

The Carr Government has increased tuition fees by up to 227 per cent this year. Graduate Diploma fees are the highest at $1650. Some students are being told that they must also pay resources and material charges of up to $3000 in some courses, but these charges should be voluntary.

Federation congratulates members on the strong and effective statewide industrial action taken during enrolments in support of disadvantaged students and members' jobs. Students are being enrolled in classes regardless of whether they have paid their fees or not. In Wollongong for example, it is estimated that 90 per cent of enrolling students did not pay fees, but sought an exemption on the basis of excessive costs and hardship. Extensive positive publicity has been received across the state.

Federation, however, has received reports that in some colleges there has been a systemic refusal of TAFE management/administration to properly consider applications for fee exemptions. TAFE has also not sufficiently advertised the "opportunity to gain exemption", despite a direction of the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW.

Although standard exemptions for those on Commonwealth benefits are being processed, thousands of other disadvantaged intending students are being turned away. These include low income earners, their spouses and youth at risk, who can't afford to pay enormously increased upfront TAFE fees. It is estimated about 50,000 students are in this situation and their life chances would be seriously damaged unless they are allowed to continue their education. Hundreds of teachers' jobs are also at risk.

Teachers are outraged that the Carr Government has refused to intervene to stop institutes victimising students, so the Federation is assisting two students to take action in the Supreme Court to safeguard the right of all students to be properly considered for an exemption on the grounds of exceptional circumstances or hardship (see story page 3).

Federation is calling on the Government to undertake a genuine review of the massive 2004 fee increases to reduce their detrimental impact on students. The union has also asked the Minister to stop harassment of teachers by management.

Phil Bradley is the Assistant General Secretary (Post School Education).

TAFE taken to Supreme Court over exemption applications

State Budget critical to campaigns

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February 2004 contents