Media Release
10 July 2014
Labor’s Shadow Minister for Education and Training Yvette D’Ath
says students and families won’t stop protesting against the Newman
Government’s TAFE cuts and cost increases in the lead-up to the next
election.
At a community rally in Redcliffe today, Ms D’Ath said the LNP’s heartless TAFE sector changes would strike a hammer-blow to the opportunities and aspirations of Queensland’s youth.
“This rally today shows that the Newman Government will pay for the callous TAFE cuts and cost increases they’ve inflicted on Queenslanders,” Ms D’Ath said.
“TAFE courses empower young people and give them the skills they need to get a job and contribute to our economy."
“We should be maximising their opportunities to better themselves, not closing the door in their faces."
“By transitioning to a fully contestable training market on July 1, the government is pricing TAFE out of the VET market, and that will put training and upskilling out of reach of many Queenslanders."
“We already know that basic literacy and numeracy courses that are still available have gone from $140 – $800, and now we hear that Grovely TAFE has closed their department that provides courses to people with disabilities."
“There’s also a slap in the face for disadvantaged learners in the Government’s new ‘Community Learning Program’.
“The program says its aimed at disengaged youth, ATSI people, people with a disability, migrants and low skilled workers with no post-school qualification."
“But the fine print shows that participants must not be on income support and/or accessing Australian Government employment services or assistance including pensions."
“That’s patently absurd. Most people in those sectors of the community will undoubtedly be on some form of Government assistance, ruling them out of this program."
“The Newman Government is cruelly and intentionally driving people away from our TAFEs. That’s means less skills, less employability, and a greater reliance on welfare for many people in our community."
“Labor is passionate about ensuring everyone has opportunities to educate themselves. We won’t destroy the TAFE sector as the Newman Government seems intent on doing.”
At a community rally in Redcliffe today, Ms D’Ath said the LNP’s heartless TAFE sector changes would strike a hammer-blow to the opportunities and aspirations of Queensland’s youth.
“This rally today shows that the Newman Government will pay for the callous TAFE cuts and cost increases they’ve inflicted on Queenslanders,” Ms D’Ath said.
“TAFE courses empower young people and give them the skills they need to get a job and contribute to our economy."
“We should be maximising their opportunities to better themselves, not closing the door in their faces."
“By transitioning to a fully contestable training market on July 1, the government is pricing TAFE out of the VET market, and that will put training and upskilling out of reach of many Queenslanders."
“We already know that basic literacy and numeracy courses that are still available have gone from $140 – $800, and now we hear that Grovely TAFE has closed their department that provides courses to people with disabilities."
“There’s also a slap in the face for disadvantaged learners in the Government’s new ‘Community Learning Program’.
“The program says its aimed at disengaged youth, ATSI people, people with a disability, migrants and low skilled workers with no post-school qualification."
“But the fine print shows that participants must not be on income support and/or accessing Australian Government employment services or assistance including pensions."
“That’s patently absurd. Most people in those sectors of the community will undoubtedly be on some form of Government assistance, ruling them out of this program."
“The Newman Government is cruelly and intentionally driving people away from our TAFEs. That’s means less skills, less employability, and a greater reliance on welfare for many people in our community."
“Labor is passionate about ensuring everyone has opportunities to educate themselves. We won’t destroy the TAFE sector as the Newman Government seems intent on doing.”
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