TAFE: Too Good To Lose

Get involved, visit www.stoptafecuts.com.auAuthorised by Susan Hopgood, Federal Secretary, Australian Education Union, 120 Clarendon Street, Southbank, 3006

what’s happening to tafe? . Funding cuts . Increases in student fees and debts. Taxpayer dollars going to shonky private operators. Private providers driving down quality. TAFE campuses closing and jobs being lost

the campaign and fight for TAFE

How you can join

Why all political parties must

Guarantee 70% VET funding to TAFE!

Sign the petition and call on all political parties to support our public TAFE system at

www.stoptafecuts.com.au

Distribute this leaflet to friends, colleagues and neighbours. You can print and download

this and other resources at

www.stoptafecuts.com.au/resources

/StopTAFECuts

@TAFECampaign

THE FACTS ARE:Funding to TAFE has been slashed

by 31.5% over the last 10 years.

But contestable VET funding has

grown by 22% since 2005. In 2014,

$2.4b, or 46%, of government VET

funds were allocated contestably

and $1.5b went to private for-profit

providers.

The VET FEE-HELP scheme has

ballooned from $25m in 2009 to close

to $4b in 2015. 80% goes to private

for-profit providers.

Less than 20% of VET FEE HELP

students complete their qualifications.

WHY WE NEED TAFESupport tafe To rebuild TAFE and keep it strong political parties must guarantee a minimum of 70% government VET funding goes to TAFE.

That means TAFE can continue its work and provide education and training around Australia.

The current VET FEE-HELP system must be abolished, with accessible and affordable courses for students available through TAFE.

Governments must crack down on private providers so funding goes to education, not super profits.

It’s time political parties committed to fixing the vocational education sector by supporting TAFE.

TAFE is too good to lose.

“ I’m an apprentice fitter/welder and attend TAFE. TAFE is very important because it helps people to get the necessary training to get their dream job. It is a great place for learning with great teaching and facilities.” ELI, APPRENTICE

“ Undertaking my apprenticeship at TAFE not only enabled me to live out my dream of being a baker, but has also prepared me for the challenges and opportunities associated with the industry.” JOHN, APPRENTICE

“ I just completed my Cert III in automotive mechanics. I’m so glad I decided to go through with it. The teachers were great. Stop TAFE Cuts so more people can get the opportunity to complete the course, just like I did.” STEPHANIE, TAFE STUDENT

“ The quality of education I received at TAFE enabled me to attend university which in turn led to a successful career.” NORM, SUPPORTER

TAFE: Too Good To Lose

“We have never seen the Australian training system in such a parlous state.”

INNES WILLOX – AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRY GROUP

“The VET FEE-HELP scheme… is a disaster and is one of the worst get rich quick schemes I’ve seen.”

SIMON BIRMINGHAM – FEDERAL EDUCATION MINISTER

“Private providers are there to make money; it’s very different to a public

system (TAFE) and that needs to be recognised.”

BRUCE MACKENZIE – VICTORIAN TAFE REVIEW, EX TDA CHAIR

“The training system should not just be about shovelling bucketloads

full of cash to providers so that they can get rich. It should be measured on

the outcomes it produces for students, industry, jobs, productivity and

economic growth.” STEVE HERBERT – MINISTER FOR TRAINING AND SKILLS

VICTORIA

Everyone AgreesVocational education is

in crisis