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Budget Cuts to Victorian TAFEs
In January this year, VATL, as the
recognised association of Victorian TAFE libraries, responded in an
editorial piece in Incite, to both changes in government funding and
the opening up of vocational education provision to private
providers. The report painted a difficult scenario for TAFEs, facing
competition from uncapped university places, as well as dramatic
increase in market share from RTOs, often delivering education and
training qualifications without libraries or student support service
facilities.
TAFE was established in 1974 after the Kangan Report. It was founded
on principles of a humanistic alternative post- secondary sector,
different to but not less equal than, the university sector.
In May this year, the Victorian State Government, announced a $300
million in funding cut to the TAFE sector.
This equated to a removal of public sector full funding to TAFE,
that is, the extra funding to cover TAFE’s obligations as public
providers of VET.
From 1/1/2013, there will be no difference in funding between TAFE
and private RTOs.
Additionally, a new five band structure per student contact hour,
ranging from $2 per hour to $10 per hour, targeting up to 80% of
courses, has been mandated. This threatens viability of many TAFE
institutions.
The effect of budget cuts on students in the form of higher fees,
restricted library services, lack of infrastructure development, is
unacceptable.
The potential budgetary effect on library and learning services
ranges from difficult to catastrophic- reduced budgets, reduced
staffing, reduced opening hours, reduced information access, and
ultimately, reduced quality in educational and learning support for
its staff and students. Without appropriately funded TAFE libraries
the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our society will
find it even harder to access skills training resulting in an even
wider educational and skills gap. For regional TAFE institutions,
this is even more critical where there simply are no alternatives.
VATL deplores this social and economic act of vandalism by the
Victorian State Government on its own public provider of vocational
education and training. It requests the immediate reinstatement by
the Victorian Government of TAFE subsidies and a reconsideration and
open debate of course funding rates with TAFE CEOs.
Paul Kloppenborg
VATL President
On behalf of all Victorian TAFE libraries |
