The Premier and Minister for Education has refused a moratorium on pushing ahead with his Tasmania Tomorrow changes and insists all campuses must accept them by the end of the 2010 school year, regardless of the views of teachers, parents, students or potential employers.
I raised the Premier’s refusal in a Notice of Motion tabled in Parliament today, and also called on the Government to ensure that appropriate levels of funding and access rights for VET and Certificate 2 and 3 courses be provided for those colleges who are not part of the Tasmania Tomorrow changes.
Amazingly, the Premier has cut VET in-schools funding for the Catholic and independent sector and traditional colleges are being threatened with reduced funding for VET and Certificate 2 and 3 offerings.
It is our view that VET funding and funding to ensure College students can undertake Certificate 2 and 3 courses should be available, whether that is provided through the Tasmanian Polytechnic, the College themselves, or any other provider, as can be negotiated.
There needs to be a full independent review of Tasmania Tomorrow and a moratorium on any further transition to it, until we properly understand the best way forward for students, parents and teachers alike.
Intuitively, a “one size fits all” does not accord with Liberal Party philosophy which endorses informed choice in both education and training, the pursuit of high standards of accomplishment and qualification in education and training, and a commitment to ensuring industry and employment informed training delivery and access.
It is Tasmanian Liberal policy that no further changes be implemented until a full independent review with full consultation with all stakeholders takes place on how to best ensure that retention, post year 10 qualifications, engagement in education and training, industry skill profiles and skill shortages can be improved.
Sue Napier MP Shadow Minister for Education
