Questions that need answers

By Linda Simon

TAFE campaigning will be increased now the federal election has been set for October 9.

Meetings will be held in TAFE colleges, and candidates asked to state their commitment to TAFE. Questions that need to be asked are:

• How will you recognise and support TAFE as the major provider of vocational education and training?
• How will you recognise and support TAFE's role in training and education, for employment, for career development and for second chance and further education?
• Will you support increased funding in real terms for TAFE in Federal budget allocations? The Australian Education Union's claim is for an additional $1080 million over the life of the Australian National Training Authority Agreement 2004-2006.
• Will you support new additional funding for TAFE to meet continued growth and unmet demand? The projected potential growth is 5.2 percent.
• How will you ensure that there is additional funding so that TAFE is able to continue to provide vocational education and training in regional and rural communities?
• Will you support additional targeted funding for new and emerging industry areas and to address skills shortages in Australia?
• Will you agree to freeze and then review User Choice arrangements?
• Will you agree to cap fees and charges for TAFE courses in the ANTA Agreement, so that TAFE courses are accessible to all students? This would include exemption from fees for equity groups.
• Will you support additional funding for quality improvement programs, including professional development for teachers to gain and maintain professional standards and to increase the number of permanent teachers in TAFE?
• Would you undertake to fund an Education Equity Program in TAFE?

TAFE TA will continue to highlight these issues, and to run advertisements in local papers for communities to consider. TAFE teacher unionists across the country are participating in similar meetings.

Ask your Federal MP and local candidates these questions, and then inform teachers, students, industry and the community of their answers.

Linda Simon is TAFE TA Secretary.

Federal election: our votes count

For further information

September 2004 contents