About TAFE4All

Over 400,000 students access Victorian TAFEs each year. On July 1, 2009, the State Government introduced reforms which have seen TAFE fees triple for many courses, many concession rates abolished and full fees charged for those who already have a degree or diploma, fees up to $20,000.

Instead of giving TAFE the funding it needs, the Government is shifting the cost onto those who can least afford it and reducing access for those who need it most.

A recent AEU poll shows that 71% of the Victorian public opposes the government's changes to the TAFE system.

With the support of other unions, community groups and the TAFE community, the AEU is running a campaign to have the reforms revoked - and we need your support.

 

 

What the State Government's changes really mean:

Higher fees:

Enrolment fees for diplomas and advanced diplomas have risen from $877 to $1,500 per year and will increase to $2,500 by 2012 - up by 185%.

Furthermore, the State Government has given no guarantee that apprentices will be exempt from the fee increases beyond 2010.

No concessions:

The annual concession rate of $55 for low income students and health care card holders has been abolished for courses at diploma level and above, and fees immediately increased to $1,500 per year. Currently, 40% of TAFE students are on concessions.

Retraining out of reach:

Students who already have a degree or diploma will no longer be eligible for support to undertake a qualification at a lower or equal level from 2011, and will be forced to pay the full cost of further training, likely to be around $10,000 per qualification.

Larger debts:

University style loans have been introduced, leaving Victorian TAFE students with huge debts to pay off in the future.

Private Competition:

Funding for all courses has been opened up allowing private providers to cherry-pick the cheapest and most popular, resulting in fewer courses.

Contestability:

All training providers will compete for students' voucher or money; their collaboration to raise educational outcomes will be destroyed and instead will be based on business motives.

The bottom line is that the State Government is pricing too many people out of tomorrow's economy.

Victoria is the first state to be hit by these reforms and if we don't act now the changes will also be introduced in every other state and territory.

Join the TAFE4All campaign against the State Government's changes to the Victorian TAFE system and help keep TAFE FOR ALL!