News
Rann axes regional TAFE jobs |
Friday, 11 January 2008
The axing of TAFE SA jobs in regional South Australia will slash education and training opportunities and worsen the skills shortage.
More than 80 regional jobs in the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Training – which includes TAFE SA – will be re-located to Adelaide as part of the Rann Government’s Shared Services Reform.
It is part of 500 jobs that are facing the axe in regional South Australian under the controversial reforms.
Shadow Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education Steven Griffiths said he was alarmed at the cuts to TAFE SA would have on education and training in regional centres.
“TAFE SA plays a critical role in supplying the skills base we need for the future growth of this State,” Mr Griffiths said.
“With SA on the cusp of a mining boom and facing a major skills shortage, the Rann Government chooses to slash resources from TAFE SA campuses and ignores the need for quality training.
“More than 80 jobs will be lost in key areas across the State which will have a severe impact on the quality of training that can be delivered.”
Mr Griffiths said TAFE SA staff are under pressure to deliver more training hours despite having severe budget cuts and increased demand for education and training.
“The last thing we need is to lose experienced and invaluable staff from the system,” Mr Griffiths said. “With the escalating pressure put on the TAFE system, and despite the skills shortages we are currently facing, TAFE SA will offer students almost 600 fewer positions than last year.
Based on State Budget figures, the number of student hours has declined since 2005/06.
“Tax revenue is flooding into Treasury coffers as a result of the booming economy but this government continues to ignore the fact that the State requires a well-skilled workforce,” he said.