[Greens-Media] Howard and Rudd need to invest in TAFE to stop fee increases

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

04.09.07

Howard and Rudd need to invest in TAFE to stop fee increases


Greens Senator Kerry Nettle today called on the Prime Minister and
Opposition Leader to commit to a significant increase in federal funding
to the TAFE system to stop rising fees and revitalise the sector.

"State Governments will continue to increase TAFE fees and TAFE as an
affordable option for post school education will be lost if the Federal
government does not stick its hand in its pocket and invest in TAFE,"
Senator Nettle said.

"The news today that TAFE fees are set to rise again in NSW is another
warning sign to federal leaders that the public TAFE system needs a
champion in the Lodge.  

"The Greens have called for at least a $700million pa funding increase
from the federal government to revitalise TAFE and we ask John Howard
and Kevin Rudd 'where's your commitment to top quality public vocational
education and second chance learning?'

"Allen Consulting found that for every $1 invested in TAFE in NSW the
community reaps a $6.40 benefit over the next 20 years. That's the kind
of long term vision we need to see from the federal government.

"State governments should not be raising TAFE fees, but while the
federal government refuses to invest their fair share in TAFE they give
state governments an excuse to raise TAFE fees.

"The Greens reject the user pays argument put forward by John Della
Bosca in NSW as an excuse for raising fees. Governments should be
encouraging people to retrain up-skill and improve their general
education. Raising TAFE fees does the opposite."

Contact - Jon Edwards 0428 213 146