Letters protest fees

Students write to politicians opposing increases in TAFE fees.

by Peter de Graaff

Teachers at Queanbeyan TAFE college held a letter writing fair and information session on the increases to TAFE fees on August 14.

The purpose of the letter writing fair was to provide students with an opportunity to write to Education Minister Dr Andrew Refshauge and Monaro MP Steve Whan about their concerns and the impact the increases would have on them.

Many of the students who took the opportunity to participate are currently enrolled in such courses as Literacy and Numeracy, Adult Basic Education and Work Opportunities for Women. Currently these courses are fee exempt but under the rationale announced by the Treasurer in the State Budget students would have to pay fees on these courses commencing in 2004. This will mean many students will no longer be able to access courses such as these in TAFE easily.

Students who participated in the letter writing fair were outraged at the Government's proposal. Queanbeyan TAFE is a small college with around 800 enrolments. The fee increases will only cause small country colleges to downsize due to loss of enrolments. This will only serve to disadvantage the community further as course offerings become reduced.

The letter writing fair, which was held during lunchtime, managed to collect around 150 letters.

Mr Whan was invited to attend the information session but failed to respond. Many of his constituents who attended the letter writing fair were disappointed that he did not attend and as he would have been able to hear first hand of the impact the fee increases will have upon students in Queanbeyan.

Peter de Graaff is a TAFE Organiser.

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Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005