05 October 2009
TAFE4All takes to the radio
Why is Minister for Skills Jacinta Allan putting TAFE out of reach for her own constituents - some of Victoria's poorest students?
This is the question the TAFE4All campaign is asking in a new media blitz of Bendigo - the Minister's seat and one of the five most disadvantaged in Victoria.
A series of TV, radio and print advertisements - airing as of yesterday - are letting people in Bendigo know that the Victorian government has substantially increased TAFE fees and abolished study concessions - and that it's not on.
Minister Allan's area is one of those most in need of quality, affordable education.
Minister, you're letting Victorians down by depriving them of a fair go at an education.
For people doing it tough, you're making life even harder.
Charging huge sums for TAFE discourages people from taking on further education - a decision that's already so difficult for so many.
Minister Allan, be fair. We all deserve access to affordable education.
It's time to give it back to us.
Listen to the audio here:
This policy directly discriminates against individuals with Mental Health issues. This policy is directly contrary to the main platform this country has taken with attempting to address the social consequences of mental ill health.
It is lazy policy, because its aim to too weed out those that remain in education as a student and never return to the workforce. The reality of this situation is a small percentage(less than 10%) do this type of behaviour. Yet the Government, because it is unable to deal with this 'problem' with any empathy, intelligence and compassion, throw an unnecesary net of 'exclusivity' over all TAFE students with mental health issues and trying to change themselves for the better with education in area's that sustain them using the concessional rate's available.
Recently a Federal senator came out after attempting to "live"on a pension income saying it was not possible. The $300-500 these people are paying out is already the equivalent to $5000-$6000 based on what they are recieving. They commence education so they do not continue to live the way they are living. They do not want to be reliant on welfare. They want to wake up feeling good. Get out of bed with purpose, consider their hygene, their nutrician, how they are positively contributing to themselves and those around them, where ever they are at any particular; moment.
This policy will curtail the oppertunity of many individuals in overcoming their illness. It will greatly restrict their ability to find new meaning in life and to re-engage with society/community.
We continue to alienate those that simply need some humanity.
Mental ill health comes in many disguises.
Michael Stretton, Pyrenees, 10 OCT 2009 19:20
Why are we depriving our citizens a quality education for those who can least afford it. As a supposed education state we are ignoring the needs of many. Go TAFE4All
Sue Patrick, Endeavour Hills, 06 OCT 2009 22:31
Victorians seeking retraining are apparently less worthy of a go at affordable VET learning than people from other states. Bottom line: these policies now actively DISCRIMINATE against Victorians needing retraining ...
Ian Irvine, Bendigo, 06 OCT 2009 13:05
Developed nations like our own should treasure the skills and talents of future generations through making education easily available to everyone. Free education for all!
Patricia Brien, Brunswick, 06 OCT 2009 12:16
Radio add sounds great,
The country towns around Victoria will really feel the changes to the TAFE system, with even less options than the disadvantaged in the big cities.
Josh Gallagher, Geelong, 06 OCT 2009 11:42
I heard your ad this morning for the first time. Great work, Jacinta is not going to like this one bit.
Ryan Sullivan, Bendigo, 06 OCT 2009 11:38
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