TAFE reform tensions rise

The future of Geraldton’s Durack Institute of Technology remains unclear as looming changes to the TAFE system create a new point of tension between local politicians.

Colleges in the Mid West, Gascoyne, Wheatbelt and Goldfields will be amalgamated from April 11, becoming Central Regional TAFE and reducing the number of administrating colleges to one.

It is yet to be confirmed where this college will be housed.

About 90 TAFE jobs will be axed in regional WA.

It is not known how many of those cuts would be in the Mid West as the new structure is still being determined, butThe Geraldton Guardian understands it could be as high as 32.

On Thursday, Labor MLC Darren West filed a motion that the House recognise the TAFE reforms would threaten the future of training in regional and metropolitan areas and limit opportunities for students and staff.

Mr West said the news had left the TAFE sector damaged and staff and students bewildered.

“If the number of TAFEs dwindles and diminishes, regional cities such as Geraldton will lose a valuable training resources,” he said.

“If we take TAFE out of cities such as Geraldton, we take out a significant community asset.

“Aside from the loss of jobs, in years to come we will face a loss of skills.”

The changes are part of the Barnett Government’s Statewide reform of the TAFE system in an effort to save $23 million.

There are currently 70 campuses administered by 11 colleges.

Under the reform, that number will be reduced to five colleges — three regional and two metropolitan.

Mr West called on an unlikely ally to support his motion, Nationals MLC Paul Brown.

Mr Brown had said he was concerned reform in the TAFE sector would result in job losses at the Geraldton-based Durack Institute of Technology.

“This creates a great deal of uncertainty for Durack staff during a time when Geraldton is experiencing an economic downturn,” he said in a February statement.

“The loss of public sector jobs really hurts a regional community such as Geraldton.”

While Mr Brown did not respond to Mr West’s call, he said he supported a continuation of funding for the Durack Institute of Technology.

“Considering that Durack is the most successful regional TAFE, I am lobbying that is where finance and administration is housed for Central Regional TAFE,” he said.

The reform is in line with recommendations outlined in the Training Sector Reform Project, which identified WA as having six of the eight smallest colleges in the country and recommended more resource-sharing between colleges and stronger links with local industry.