To my local MP,
CoAG met in August to discuss proposed "reforms" to TAFE funding.The "reforms" being considered include:

 * opening all public vocational education and training funds to contest between public and private providers;

 * the imposition of competitive neutrality principles upon the TAFE system; and

 * significant increases in student fees and charges, as a result of the introduction of an income contingent loan scheme in VET.

 These proposals will have dire consequences for the public TAFE system, which has already been forced to endure the relentless pressure of funding reductions over the last two decades. Competition on price has damaged TAFE, leading to skills shortages in the traditional trades, cherry picking of more lucrative courses by private (for profit) providers and significant cost increases for students. This crude cost-based 'race to the bottom' is hindering the development of a highly skilled and educated workforce, and a more dynamic economy. TAFE institutes in regional and rural areas in particular will struggle to survive with reduced levels of funding.

 The August CoAG meeting included some welcome comments about the centrality of TAFE to the VET system. However, the recent release of the inquiry into the Federal government's flagship Productivity Places Program shows how damaging competition on price can be. Under the PPP, more than 75% of the program funds went to private (for profit) providers who currently only deliver 15% of vocational education in Australia. The evidence emerging from Victoria, which has implemented full competition for VET funding, should be reason for great unease in the community.

 Please contact the Prime Minister and Senator Chris Evans and encourage them to:

 * abandon these reforms - they are far too risky;

 * roll-over the current VET agreement;

 * instigate a prudent and public examination of the consequences of full competition on TAFE and VET, including the impact on educational quality, levels of student support and teaching infrastructure.

 The role of the public TAFE system in the Australian community is too important to risk.

Your sincerely