WAGGA TAFE will suffer job cuts and local campuses will be sold off when the state government makes “once-in-a-generation reform” to streamline administration.
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The autonomous Riverina Institute, with 20 campuses across 154,000 square kilometres of the Riverina-Murray region, will be merged into one TAFE organisation encompassing every campus across the state.
The government has claimed TAFE NSW spends 60 cents in the dollar on administration and “back-office efficiencies” could save $100 million, to be reinvested in new facilities and frontline resources.
Local MP Daryl Maguire conceded there would be voluntary redundancies in Wagga, but wasn’t sure how many or when they would be offered.
“It’s early days, but government and TAFE will work with unions and everyone involved to achieve the best outcome possible,” Mr Maguire said.
“Importantly, for every $1 million saved through this reform, the NSW government can subsidise the training for 250 extra students to help them get their first job, or upskill for their next career step.
“We’re trying to bring about more flexibility so places like The Rock and Lockhart can get better access to courses and teaching online.”
The Public Service Association (PSA), which represents the workers under threat, said Riverina campuses were likely to lose librarians, counsellors and class support staff.
PSA Assistant General Secretary Steve Turner told The Daily Advertiser any “underutilised” TAFE resources were a direct result of the government driving away more than 85,000 vocational students through ill-conceived policies.
“They’ve already cut 2,500 staff over the last four years and about 3,000 administration staff have gone as well,” Mr Turner said.
“They should be funding and promoting TAFE to encourage students to come back, instead of selling off the land at the expense of studnets in the future.”
Mr Turner said the government has not consulted the union.