The Liberal government is failing to deliver on
yet another of its election commitments, employing fewer than half of the
TasTAFE teachers it promised in the last financial year.
The government provided $3.8 million last
financial year for an additional 25 TasTAFE teachers.
But the government’s response to questions from
Labor in the Legislative Council shows just 12 of the promised 25 additional
TasTAFE teachers were actually employed.
That’s 12 out of a promised 100 new teachers
over four years.
In his written response, the Minister for
Skills, Training and Workforce Growth Felix Ellis, claimed the government is on
track to fulfil its commitment but anyone with the most basic grasp of maths
knows that is not the case.
The Liberal Government previously said TasTAFE
would be better placed to attract high quality, qualified trainers from
industry to ramp up training in areas of high demand.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that 20
Tasmanian electrical apprentices had their training block cancelled due to a
lack of teaching staff, and a lack of staff has also led to client services
closing indefinitely at the Clarence campus.
TasTAFE is supposed to be an industry and
student-focused organisation but the Liberals’ misguided and disruptive changes
are leading to a breakdown in service delivery.
This government has excellent form in making
announcements and commitments that they do not deliver and these answers show
their promised TAFE improvements are no exception.
Instead of continuing their push for a $750 million stadium in Hobart, the Liberals need to get their priorities right and start delivering on the promises they have made to Tasmanians to make their lives better.
Josh Willie MLC
Shadow Minister for TAFE
