By Angharad Owens-Strauss
The future of TAFEs in NSW, potentially threatened by promised funding increases for private education providers, is firming as a key state election issue.
A poll has found 59 per cent of voters in marginal NSW seats oppose the state government's increase for private providers.
TAFE, Ultimo: Former premier Barry O'Farrell removed $800 million from TAFE funding in 2012.Credit: Rob Homer
The Herald's Ipsos poll last week showed health and education were the most important issues for voters, and a poll by NSW Teachers Federation also suggests education will be a focus of the March state election.
One thousand people were interviewed for the teachers union poll of 20 marginal seats across NSW including Swansea, Parramatta and Campbelltown. The seats are mostly Liberal-held former Labor seats.
Union members and students protest against TAFE cuts.Credit: Kylie Pitt
The NSW government announced the funding plans in May this year to allow for a more competitive market. NSW budget papers indicate funding has increased from $371 million in 2012 to an estimated $635 million next year.
There are concerns that the push for more private providers will be at the expense of TAFE funding and even detrimental to the institution's survival.
"[TAFE has] had nearly 10-12 years of funding cuts," said Maurie Mulheron, president of the NSW Teachers Federation. "We've already seen courses cut from hairdressing, hospitality, fine arts, and commercial cookery - all areas where there are skill shortages."
Former premier Barry O'Farrell's 2012 decision to take $800 million from TAFE funding was part of a $1.7 billion cut to the education budget over four years. That decision has resulted in 1200 job losses in TAFE institutes across NSW, Mr Mulheron said.
He said the effects would flow into the quality and price of education for NSW students.
"[NSW education] will see a drop in quality, courses being shortened, and a loss of skill development," Mr Mulheron said. "Without regulation on fees [private colleges] can start charging students a lot more money and a whole lot of students [will be] unable to do any vocational course because they can't afford the fees."
Similar reforms in Victoria, which have left TAFE with just 27 per cent of the market share and more than 2000 job losses, were a focus at last weekend's election.
"Our concern is that this is the beginning of the same kind of decline [for TAFE NSW] that devastated TAFE in Victoria," said Greens MP John Kaye."Without some kind of legislative breaks on the amount of money that can go to a private provider, TAFE faces almost no future at all."
NSW Opposition leader John Robertson said in a statement: "TAFE has a unique place in our education system and local communities across NSW are outraged that courses are being scrapped, staff are being sacked and the institutions themselves are being threatened with closure."
If Labor were elected next year they have promised to scrap the reforms, guaranteeing a 70 per cent TAFE market share and a 30 per cent cap on the amount of public funds for private operators.
On Wednesday, the education minister, Adrian Piccoli, opened a $630,000 Healthcare Training Precinct at the Randwick College of Sydney TAFE.