WHEN regional communities awoke this week to the article in the Age entitled “TAFE funding in crisis”, many would have felt betrayed by both federal and state governments that have systematically reduced funding to the point where the immediate viability of this sector of tertiary education is in question.
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Regional industries, business and communities at large have invested huge amounts of time and energy into the establishment of TAFE Institutes in their area, because they firmly believe in the vitality of these organisations to support the economic and social well-being of their regions.
In the mid ’70s, the Whitlam and Fraser governments totally endorsed the 1974 Kangan Report that established the technical and further education system in Australia with a level of funding appropriate to build the skill levels of people in their quest for employment.
Leaders associated with that era must shake their heads in bewilderment as they see the apathy of the federal government to the sector and the total abandonment of TAFE by state governments.
The article in the Age (April 4) headed “State failing its country students”, together with this week’s report on TAFE, is evidence that country students are being dudded.
The article refers to the report by auditor general John Doyle — Access to Education for Rural Students — that concluded that the state’s education department had a limited understanding of the impact its actions so often had on rural students.
Where does Bill Tilley stand on this issue?
Does he understand the impact?
What is he doing to ensure country students and trainees do not get second best?
Are country politicians standing by and limiting development with a workforce that has not had the access to education and training as their city cousins?
Do we watch TAFE resources disintegrate? Or do we stand up and protect an asset that forms such an important part of our community?
— GEOFF SMITH,
Wodonga
