Greens in New England have a plan to restore courses, lower fees and re-open TAFE facilities across New England, said Northern Tablelands candidate Mercurius Goldstein.
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By reversing cuts and closures made by both Coalition and Labor state governments, the Greens hope to lower course fee for students to accessible levels, restore high-demand fine arts courses in Armidale and Glen Innes, and return the campuses at Boggabilla and Quirindi to full-time operation.
"For every dollar we invest in TAFE, there is a $6.40 lifetime return on that money through greater employment, productivity and participation. It's the best kind of taxpayer investment, because the more we put in, the greater the return," Mr Goldstein said
"But Baird government cuts and closures are wasting the investments we've made in TAFE. For example, there is a wonderful arts facility in Armidale standing unused, which NSW citizens paid well over $1 million dollars to build. It's a false saving to leave it dormant, and the Greens plan will see us all benefit from these facilities in operation."
Mr Goldstein is also concerned that new Baird government fees due to start January 1 2015 will put TAFE out of reach for many young people looking to get started in the jobs market.
"This year I completed a full-fee diploma of government course, for which I paid $750. That same course next year will cost over $5700. The Nationals are kidding themselves if they think such fees are acceptable for students in New England."
Citing evidence of the failure of 80 per cent of private providers to meet Australian quality standards in Victoria (The Australian, 7 November 7), Mr Goldstein said that TAFE is the proven model for reliable, high-quality vocational education in NSW.
“It's the gold standard, and the Greens will do everything we can to keep TAFE safe from cuts, closures and sub-standard private providers. Instead of handing over taxpayer money to private shareholders and investors, the Baird government should put those funds where they will be of most benefit to people in New England — our local TAFEs.”
Meanwhile TAFE New England has announced it has won a contract to deliver training across the New England and North West region under the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled program, saying it is one element of its 2015 business plan.
“There will continue to be generous concessions and fee exemptions for many people living in our region, and from next year flexible payment options, as well as access to income-contingent loans for those that are eligible,” acting institute director Lyn Rickard said.
