Drastic budget cuts averted by strike threat

Goulburn arts and media teachers who campaigned against funding cuts to their section.

By Peter de Graaff

Drastic budget cuts to arts and media sections at Moss Vale and Goulburn TAFE campuses have been averted.

Stopwork action foreshadowed for November 14 and 15 to campaign against the cuts was not taken after last minute negotiations with Illawarra Institute management resulted in improved budget allocations that would allow the sections to continue operating.

Although there are still cuts to the overall budget these are not as drastic as previously proposed.

A commitment was also given that there would be little overall diminution of the course profile. Negotiations are continuing with management and Federation members are continuing to monitor and review the situation.

The initial budget cuts proposed to art and media at these campuses meant a possible reduction in course delivery of up to 30 per cent and a reduction of up to 66 per cent for resource provision.

Teachers were concerned that there would be no Stage 1 intake at Moss Vale next year in Ceramics, and the Stage 1 Certificate 4 fine arts program would be reduced from 3.5 days to two days per week. There will be no distinct Stage 1 Open Access class in visual arts.

Reductions to resources would have meant that these sections were left with no funds to operate and would soon be unable to purchase materials, pay models' fees, or maintain equipment such as kilns and printing presses. Budget cuts meant that assessment panels would not be able to operate affecting students' outcomes, kilns would not be able to be fired, and student applications would not be properly assessed.

Teachers at Moss Vale and Goulburn fought the cuts on behalf of their students and community. Although the Southern Highlands are in the grip of drought, art production is an industry that flourishes across the region and attracts visitors.

Members at Moss Vale and Goulburn have passed resolutions calling on state and federal governments to improve funding to TAFE. Members believe their plight is symptomatic of rural and regional areas after a decade of chronic under-funding to TAFE. Members have also resolved to continue lobbying state and federal MPs and Senators, and candidates in forthcoming elections.

Peter de Graaff is a TAFE Organiser.

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Last Modified: 23 Nov 2006