TAFE in crisis under Liberals as allegations continue to mount

 Fresh spending allegations show Rockliff has been asleep at the wheel
 Liberals have badly let down students and industry by allowing TAFE to go off the rails
 Majority Labor Government will overhaul skills and training system
Shocking new allegations about the mismanagement of TasTAFE have today highlighted the crisis in Tasmania’s skills and training system under the Hogdman Liberal Government.
Deputy Labor Leader Michelle O’Byrne said Education and Training Minister Jeremy Rockliff’s dismal hands-off approach to the state’s skills and training sector had resulted in an on-going scandal that had broken TAFE.
“It is resoundingly obvious that Mr Rockliff has paid such little attention to the operations of TasTAFE that a culture of scandal has been allowed to flourish,” Ms O’Byrne said.
“The allegations that have surfaced today in relation to expenditure on things like travel and accommodation under the former TAFE management are quite frankly appalling and highlight a government that has not been watching.
“We’ve already seen the outcomes of an Integrity Commission report that highlighted alleged nepotism within TAFE and ultimately resulted in the resignation of the CEO and exposed the broken system.
“Just weeks ago evidence was presented to Budget Estimates hearings that showed property including several wooden boats owned by the former TasTAFE chief executive was allowed to be allegedly repaired and maintained in TAFE workshops by students and staff.
“Mr Rockliff again today is trying to play catch-up by re-announcing a 12-month audit which will look into TAFE, including the use of Tasmanian Government credit cards as well as TasTAFE’s travel and entertainment policy.
“If he had been doing his job and overseeing our skills and training sector, we may not have had to reach this point.
“Tasmanian students deserve to know where the money from the fees they pay is being spent and if it is being spent appropriately.
“A Majority Labor Government will get our TAFE system back on track by overhauling Tasmania’s skills, training and education system to provide clear pathways for our future generations and we will heavily involve business and workforce groups in planning to create jobs.
“It’s unacceptable that under the Liberals a generation of Tasmanians are leaving our skills and training system without being job ready – Labor will ensure that Tasmanians undertaking training will emerge with the quality skills that provide a pathway to employment.’
Michelle O’Byrne MP Shadow Education Minister