TAFE SA “lost its way” under a Labor Government as budget cuts took priority over training outcomes, while “tickets were handed out in Weet-Bix boxes” Member for MacKillop Nick McBride says.
However, the Liberal MP said the State Government was intent on restoring confidence and re-position the organisation as an effective provider.
Speaking to a motion in Parliament, the TAFE alumni said he had personally noticed the “backward step” the previous Labor Government took and the withdrawal of services in recent years.
In 2017, the Australian Skills and Quality Authority identified major shortcomings in its audit of TAFE SA.
The findings of the audit were the catalyst for two reviews, including one of which described the commentators were “dismayed by the depth of problems” at TAFE SA.
Mr McBride said his government’s response to the reviews, summarised in the ‘A Fresh Start for TAFE SA’ document would help restore confidence and reposition the organisation as an effective training provider.
Mr McBride said a slew of new measures including a Tafe SA board reshuffle, improving contestability of funding and a renewed focus on quality, would improve the training provider.
“I note the government is realistic in its approach to revitalising TAFE, recognising there is a greater need to engage with industry to analyse skills and training needs to deliver training that will meet economic and industry sector needs,” he said.
“This will take time and, to improve contestability, there will need to be reform in TAFE and support to wider delivery partners to support the skilling of local communities.”
Mr McBride said his constituents were marginalised by the withdrawal of training opportunities offered regionally through TAFE.
In 2016, the service provider announced a number of regional campuses across the electorate – including Millicent – would close following a move to offer courses online and at industry-related sites.
“An absolutely important educational arm of regional South Australia will have TAFE or TAFE campuses, TAFE courses, backing up our regions,” he said.
“For my part and on behalf of my electorate, I have a keen interest in ensuring that we have training programs that work for regions.”
