[Greens-Media] Rees' TAFE package amounts to $350m cut to skills education

[John Kaye]

Rees' TAFE package amounts to $350m cut to skills education 
 
Media release: 11 August 2009
 
The Rees government's attempt to slash TAFE teachers' conditions will
cost the state $350 million in vocational education outcomes, according
to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.
 
Dr Kaye said: "The Rees government is penny pinching on public
investment in TAFE by trying to force teachers into longer hours while
giving them less control over how they organise their time.
 
"These trade-offs amount to $55 million being taken away from the NSW
TAFE system.
 
"A report by the Allen consulting group showed that every dollar spent
on TAFE returns $6.40 on the investment.
 
"The Rees government's package will cost the state $352 million in lost
investment returns for NSW.
 
"Taking the razor to a critical area of skills education in the current
economic climate is reckless and irresponsible.
 
"The global economic crisis has not made the skills crisis go away. NSW
can use this time to re-skill for the coming economic upturn.
 
"This is the time for the Rees government to be treating TAFE teachers
as professionals.
 
"TAFE teachers are to be applauded for taking industrial action today.
 
"By standing up to the Rees government they are protecting the
interests of NSW’s economy and the vital skills base of the future.
 
"It is time for Premier Rees and Education Minister Verity Firth to
step in and ensure that this dispute delivers TAFE Teachers a
professional outcome," Dr Kaye said. 
 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455