Inquiry into vocational education and training in NSW

On 4 June, a Parliamentary Inquiry into vocational education and training in NSW was announced.

This inquiry has come about due to the hard work and campaigning that PSA members, and other community groups have done to highlight the effects the Smart and Skilled reforms are having upon vocational education in NSW.

The Parliamentary Inquiry will be taking submissions until 14 August, and the PSA will be making a submission on behalf of members.

The terms of reference for the inquiry are available HERE

The committee is required to report its findings and recommendations to Parliament by Tuesday 17 November 2015.

Reforms are anything but “Smart”

NSW budget papers have revealed that there have been 30,000 fewer students enrolled in TAFE since the Smart and Skilled reforms were introduced.

The need for implementing a market based model in TAFE NSW has not been adequately explained, with little or no factual evidence that a contestable funding model is good for vocational education, students or the economy.

The PSA believes that in order for the NSW Government to meet their basic responsibility to provide quality vocational education and training in this state it needs to:

• Stop their attacks on TAFE

• Fully explain the implications of focusing on the market as the method for allocating public resources, including the premise of a contestable funding method

• Reverse the huge fee increases which have resulted in 30,000 fewer students enrolled in TAFE, and disproportionately affected those in disadvantaged and regional areas who rely on TAFE for accessible, high quality skills training.

What can you do?

Members are strongly encouraged to have a say on the Smart and Skilled reforms.

If you would like to get involved in the campaign or contribute your ideas to the PSA submission please register your details HERE