AEU opposes HECS for TAFE

Calls for the introduction of a HECS-type system for TAFE courses were further evidence of increased pressures on TAFE students as a result of governments under-funding, the Australian Education Union says.

The proposal for TAFE HECS was included in a Treasury working paper released on April 18.

In a media release dated April 19 the Australian Education Union (AEU) said HECS was the wrong solution to growing costs in TAFE.

AEU Federal TAFE Secretary Pat Forward said that a HECS in TAFE was a lazy and shortsighted solution to a problem which was the responsibility of state and federal governments.

"It is just too easy to shift the costs to individual students, whether in the short term or the long term," said Ms Forward.

"High fees are already discouraging students from undertaking TAFE courses and a HECS would simply lead to more fees and charges in the same way as it has done in higher education.

"Applying a HECS to TAFE will just worsen the 200,000 shortage of skilled workers Australia is already facing.

"The key point this paper misses is that if funding for TAFE had been sustained at 1996 levels, then there would have been no reason for such an increase and no need for income contingent loans to be considered.

"TAFE provides not just training, but also a second chance and further education for many adults. TAFE should be funded by all governments to provide training and education at an affordable cost to students. Income contingent loans should not be necessary.

"The Australian community benefits from high participation rates in vocational education and training, and individuals pay for their education through increased participation in the workforce as a result of their vocational studies.

"Industry and governments should not be allowed to shirk their responsibility to properly invest in the sector. Young working class students, and older people returning to study should not be forced to shoulder additional financial burdens," Ms Forward said.

The AEU is holding an Affordable TAFE Roundtable in Canberra on May 9 to encourage debate and discussion in this area.

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Last Modified: 03 May 2007