Since 2012 the Baird Government has sacked 4,600 TAFE teachers and support staff.
According to Labor there has also been an 80,000 drop in students enrolled in TAFE colleges.
Local MP Greg Warren and Pru Car, Skills spokesperson for Labor, say the government have also driven course fees through the roof because of the “failed’’ Smart and Skilled reforms.
“With youth unemployment in Macarthur at over 16 per cent, the Baird Government should be properly funding TAFE, not cutting its legs out from under it,” Mr Warren said.
He and Ms Car joined forces on National TAFE Day earlier this week to call on the NSW Government to give TAFE a fair go.
National TAFE Day calls upon political parties to guarantee 70 per cent of vocational education and training (VET) funding be allocated to TAFE.
Labor supports this plan and recently introduced the Technical and Further Education Commission Amendment (TAFE Funding Guarantee) Bill 2015 into the Parliament.
The Bill will cap contestable public funding for private education providers at a maximum of 30 per cent – preventing the Baird Government from shifting more public funds from TAFE to private providers.
“Labor will always stand up for the strongest possible TAFE system,” Ms Car said.
“At a time when youth unemployment is high and many industries are facing skills shortages, we need to equip the Campbelltown workforce with the skills required for the jobs of today and those of the future.”
While private providers play a role in skills training, the vital role TAFE plays must be protected, says Labor.
Mr Warren said that the volatile private sector has seen the recent collapse of a number of VET providers, including Aspire College of Education and Evocca College, both of which had campuses in Campbelltown, leaving thousands of students high and dry.
“Guaranteeing at least 70 per cent of public funding for TAFE will ensure the institution’s future in Campbelltown,” Mr Warren said.
“Labor’s plan will make TAFE sustainable, affordable and accessible for the people of Campbelltown.”
