WE, as Bendigo Greens candidates, have signed the TAFE pledge, organised by the Australian Education Union, as a part of our commitment to have core TAFE funding put back if we are successful in the November state elections.
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Our TAFE colleges have taken a huge hit since the election of the Coalition government and we support the return of the funding that was ripped out in 2012, leaving our TAFE students ripped off.
Taking the pledge means we are committed to: reversing the funding cuts, ensuring fair student fees, ensuring fair access for all Victorian communities; and providing long term investment in TAFE provision.
A few weeks ago the Victorian Auditor-General released a report showing the severe financial pressure the Coalition has put our TAFEs under.
They fell into a deficit of $16 million last year from an overall surplus of $58.6 million in 2012.
This means our TAFE colleges are struggling to survive even after cutting programs and staff numbers, raising student fees and being forced to amalgamate.
We are concerned about the negative impact this is having on our regional communities.
We don’t want our young people to miss out on vital training, educational pathways and employment opportunities.
Signing the TAFE pledge shows we are committed to a strong public TAFE system and we are calling on all other candidates to show this commitment as well.
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