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Superannuation scheme needs changing
As a matter of urgency, City of Greater Bendigo Council unanimously passed a motion at its meeting, held on Wednesday May 23, resolving to write to the Premier and the Minister for Higher Education, Peter Hall, requesting a review of budget cuts to Bendigo TAFE and seeking a meeting with the Hon. Damian Drum MLC.
The State Government recently announced they will cut $290 million from TAFE Institutes across Victoria. Bendigo TAFE expects to be one of the hardest hit with $8 - $9 million slashed from their budget creating an approximate 120 job losses. With the decrease in Government funding, there is potential to effect economic development in the region such as an increase in unemployment and a lack of skilled workers.
Mayor Cr Alec Sandner said that education is a core responsibility of the State Government and this issue needs immediate attention.
“This decision will have a substantial impact in the region and cause a ripple effect in Bendigo. With these job losses, courses will be reduced and some programs will no longer be available. This means employers will not have local apprentices to employ and students may move out of the city to go to school,” said Cr Sandner.
Bendigo TAFE is one of the largest employers in the city with more than 500 staff, 375 of them being full time. In addition to staff, the institution produces hundreds of skilled trained workers per year. A resource desperately needed in every part of the country. The institution also assists people who are already in the workforce and need to upgrade their skills in order to advance in their careers.
Cr Sandner said, “Hopefully with support from councils, local businesses, students and the public, the Government will gain a greater appreciation of the value of Bendigo TAFE and reconsider its decision.”
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Updated: 5:03 PM, 25 May 2012