This morning Premier Berejiklian announced a review into the TAFE training system. The review will be headed up Mr David Gonski AC and Professor Peter Shergold AC. The media release can be viewed HERE.
The CPSU NSW was contacted by Ms Catherine Grummer, General Manager of People and Safety to advise the review had been announced by the Premier.
The CPSU NSW is seeking an urgent meeting with the TAFE Executive to ensure the union is fully across the purpose of the review, including obtaining copies of its terms of reference (ToR). As a major stakeholder with TAFE NSW, your union has to have the full breadth of information available to be able to give informed feedback on behalf of the membership.
Your union’s concerns
Whilst the union is not necessarily opposed to a review, we have the following concerns:
The Premier has not ruling out the privatisation of TAFE NSW. The CPSU NSW joins the Shadow NSW TAFE Minister Jihad Dib in calling on the Premier to finally rule out any possibility that TAFE could be privatised. You can listen to his interview HERE.
Any review of TAFE must focus on the mismanagement of TAFE over the past several years, and look at how this can be reversed.
That the review needs to acknowledge the TAFE NSW has faced budget and staff cuts over the last nine years, and these cuts must at least be restored.
An introduction of a HECS style scheme could discourage students enrolments, especially those from working class backgrounds.
While it is still early days, we will continue to consult with members and ask for your feedback. If you hear anything about the review, please contact your CSPU NSW Industrial Staff or local delegates immediately.
