Demands on state politicians

By Diane Hague

Federation has launched its demands on state politicians for TAFE in the lead up to the state election in March 2007. These demands were presented as part of the NSW launch of the TAFE Futures Inquiry.

The demands reflect many of the concerns presented to the TAFE Futures Inquiry and the findings in the report. They also reflect the particular concerns of the Federation relating to the needs of TAFE NSW.

The demands are:

• TAFE be recognised and funded as the dominant provider of vocational education and training.
• Any state government provide an additional $250 million for TAFE per year, to partly redress prior cuts and provide for the future.
• As a matter of urgency, the State Government provide additional funding for regional and rural NSW, at this time of critical drought, to provide additional courses especially around renewable energy and climate change.
• TAFE courses should be free and materials charges kept to a minimum.
• Job security for TAFE teachers and educational staff be a government priority with a new staffing agreement that makes permanency a priority.
• Given increased teacher shortages, the state develop a plan to renew the TAFE workforce.

Diane Hague is the Administration Officer (Media and Communications).

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December 2006 contents