In a major breach of cabinet confidence, the transition plans submitted by TAFEs to the Baillieu Government have been leaked to the media, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said today.
The plans detail how each institution plans to deal with the budget cuts caused by the Baillieu Government’s $290 million cuts to the sector, detailing course cuts, job losses, fee hikes and campus closures.
“The cuts to South West TAFE were an appalling decision in the first instance and now we have seen an even more appalling process as Victorian TAFE’s transition under this Government’s savage cuts.
“South West TAFE has burned the candle at both ends working on a plan to protect its courses in the best interests of teachers and students.
“To now find out that the Government’s own process is deeply flawed is another significant blow.
“This will only see increased job insecurity for current staff and uncertainty for students on whether their course will exist.
“The Baillieu Government has significantly undermined the local management of SW TAFE.
“The responsibility of the continuing destruction of our TAFE system lies squarely at the feet of the Baillieu Government.
“Ted Baillieu isn’t just robbing TAFEs of funding; he is robbing our children of their future,” Ms Tierney said.