TAC forced to pay up

Updated November 7 2012 - 3:31am, first published March 10 2010 - 9:22am
DECISION: Darren Pearce wants to teach.
DECISION: Darren Pearce wants to teach.

ELEVEN years ago, diesel mechanic Darren Pearce was seriously injured in a motorbike accident.At the time, doctors told the 43-year-old his injuries were so bad that amputating his left leg was a real possibility.He was also told that he would need to find a new career, one where he used his brain more and his body less.Mr Pearce eventually decided on teaching. But more challenges were to come his way when the TAC refused to help with the cost of his studies.The TAC’s policy only allows for someone to retrain into a similar position. The authority would not pay for a course that would provide a person with higher qualifications than they had before their accident.“After an accident like that, you really do lose more than your business and independence,” Mr Pearce said.“I completely started to doubt myself.“You really never estimate your self-worth.”But after a recent hearing at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, the TAC was ordered to reimburse Mr Pearce the cost of his university degree, including books and materials.Mr Pearce is currently studying a Diploma of Education and a masters degree at La Trobe University in Bendigo.“I think the TAC’s problem was that they were slow to react,” he said.“Studying has given me so much confidence.“I never thought it would be something for me.“I needed to do something that didn’t keep me on my feet.”Once he has finished his studies, Mr Pearce plans to help tradespeople develop their literacy and learning skills.Lawyer Danielle Leo said Mr Pearce had showed an amazing preparedness to reskill and change his working life after the motorcycle accident. “For someone in a position such as Darren, there is no other choice but to change your career path completely,” she said. “The motivation and determination shown by Darren should be encouraged, not deterred.“My advice would be `don’t take the TAC’s word for it’.“It’s policy, not the law.”

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