Labor MP hits TAFE fee rise

David Rood

September 23, 2008

http://www.theage.com.au/national/labor-mp-hits-tafe-fee-rise-20080922-4lsp.html

A STATE Labor MP has slammed the State Government’s overhaul of the TAFE system, saying fee increases will discriminate against poor and socially disadvantaged students.

In a leaked letter to Skills Minister Jacinta Allan, outspoken backbencher Tammy Lobato issued a personal plea that the Government she is a member of abandon its skills package.

Ms Lobato argued that higher fees in many courses and HECS-style loans for students will act as a barrier to the most disadvantaged people, particularly women, studying at TAFE.

Ms Lobato said the areas of welfare, disability and aged care would be worst affected.

Last month, the Brumby Government launched a $314 million revamp of the TAFE and training sector that will have university-style loans and increased fees in some courses as well as 900 new TAFE teachers, and competition with private institutions for state funding.

Ms Allan’s office said the skills package would create 172,000 additional training places and guarantee a TAFE place for any person who wants a higher qualification.

The Australian Education Union’s Gillian Robertson said it was astounding that Labor is investing in anything other than public education providers. She said money should not be a barrier to getting into TAFE.