Every Victorian should be deeply concerned about the Coalition’s reckless plan to slash fee free TAFE as it will negatively impact the lives of tens of thousands of Victorians, the Australian Education Union Victorian Branch says.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Shadow Education Minister Sarah Henderson have today emphasised their plan to abolish fee free TAFE, which has provided vocational education opportunities to around 600,000 Australians, including many thousands of Victorians since being introduced.
Australian Education Union Victorian Branch President Justin Mullaly slammed the Coalition’s proposal to cut the initiative as irresponsible given the significant skills shortages across the economy, and said it showed that the Coalition just does not get Victorians who really value access to vocational education and training at TAFE.
“By cutting fee free TAFE, Peter Dutton is pulling the rug out from beneath every Victorian," Mr Mullaly said.
“Victorians love TAFE, but Peter Dutton is cutting and running by dumping fee free TAFE, which will also result in TAFE teachers being sacked – it is unacceptable.
“Fee free TAFE has improved the lives of thousands of Victorians. It has unlocked employment opportunities for marginalised groups, bolstered the strength of our regions and provided significant opportunities for Victorians to contribute to the economy and address our ongoing skill shortages.
“The last time the Liberal were in office in Victoria, they butchered TAFE by cutting $1.2 billion, while pursuing their rampant privatisation agenda, resulting in campus and course closures, TAFE teachers being sacked, and mass student debt.
“There is no way Victorians should risk similar things occurring if a Dutton Government is elected,” Mr Mullaly said.
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