In response to questioning from the Greens in Parliament, the Minister for Skills and Training has provided further information on the $45 million TasTAFE cuts. Shockingly, the Minister confirmed there’s at least $20 million more cuts to come, with more jobs, courses, and public campuses are on the chopping block.
It was clear as day that the cuts listed in the document tabled on Tuesday night didn’t come close to the $45 million in savings the TasTAFE CEO is seeking. Under Greens questions’ the Minister has revealed the cuts he tabled only add up to about $25 million.
But given many of the cuts tabled like arts and lab tech courses were pre-existing, it’s unclear whether they’ll contribute to the $45 million saving goal, or are additional to it. The question remains why the Minister can’t tell Tasmanian where the full extent of the $45 million in saving will be found.
In recent weeks we’ve heard about the privatisation and leasing of TasTAFE buildings. These details weren’t in the Ministers tabled document. Is this part of the further savings TasTAFE plan to make?
Tasmanians, students and teachers at TasTAFE are rightly concerned and anxious about the cuts still to come. When will other staff and students learn of their future at TasTAFE?
It’s beyond time for Minister Ellis to start being open with the Tasmanians who need affordable, accessible public training in TasTAFE. What other campuses, courses and jobs will be cut at TasTAFE?
