Learn and grow country Victoria – no TAFE cuts!
The Country Alliance party says the Liberal Government’s intention to slash TAFE funding in rural and regional Victoria will cripple growth and development in country Victoria.
Party spokesman, Garry Kerr, said TAFE colleges have been hit hard in this State Budget.
“The harshest cuts are those in country Victoria. Gippsland is losing $15 million, Ballarat is losing $20 million in funding, and the funding cuts will cripple TAFE institutions across country in areas including Bendigo, Geelong, Traralgon, Shepparton, Wangaratta, and Bairnsdale”, he said
“Country TAFE is not like Melbourne TAFE. In many rural and regional centres, TAFE is the only further education locally available.”
“For many families looking at succession planning in the agricultural, horticultural and leisure markets, local TAFE is the only way to build young skills locally, and keep businesses sustainable and viable.”
Mr Kerr said the National Party has let country people down.
“It was their role to protect and serve the interests of country communities. Those who voted for the Nationals at the last election have every right to be angry and feel betrayed.”
“The National Tertiary Education Union and the Australian Education Union quite rightly oppose budget cuts to rural and regional TAFE funding.”
“Country Alliance supports the retention of TAFE, and all the other services that country Victorians are entitled to have.”
Contact: Garry Kerr 0412 586 925 for Western Victoria Region
(i.e. Horsham to Melton to Geelong to Portland)
Website: www.countryalliance.org Twitter: @country alliance
Admin: admin@countryalliance.org / ph 0425 746 066
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