MEMBER for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead responded to claims by the PSA, also calling them "false and misleading" and highlighting the NSW government's commitment to further education in the area.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"The NSW government's 2015/2016 Budget invests more than $2.3 billion in vocational education and training (VET), which includes a $2 billion investment in TAFE that will build the skilled workforce of the future," he said.
"The investment in TAFE NSW represents an increase of $122 million compared to last year's budget, which will help students get the skills they need to enter the workforce and includes a $101 million capital works program to create more modern facilities."
Mr Bromhead defended the government, saying it had taken action against youth unemployment and other local economic issues.
"In July this year I encouraged young members of the Myall Lakes electorate to consider making applications for 200,000 free vocational education and training places opened under the NSW Government's Smart and Skilled fee-free scholarship program," he said.
"This is one of the many actions the NSW Government is taking to address youth unemployment and create a productive local economy."
Mr Bromhead emphasised upcoming projects taking place with North Coast TAFE.
"In addition, North Coast TAFE has recently opened a new and modern student service centre in Taree phase one of its broader capital works project at the campus," he said.
"Planning for phase two of the project is being finalised and I understand that TAFE will soon go to tender for this work.
"This phase will deliver a modern nursing and allied health facility for the campus.
"As I mentioned, this project will soon go to tender and any further detail is considered commercial in confidence."
"Union Scaremongering"
MEMBER for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams, has said that "despite Union scaremongering," no teachings jobs will be lost by the proposed TAFE changes.
"No teaching jobs are affected by this proposal," Mrs Williams said.
"Despite union scaremongering, North Coast TAFE is providing the certainty for 197 jobs, not removing 200 jobs."
Mrs Williams issued a statement in which she called the claims made by the PSA "false and misleading."
"Workforce and industry needs are rapidly changing, with three quarters of the fastest growing
occupations in Australia requiring skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics," Mrs Williams said.
"North Coast TAFE's customer engagement and student administration redesign is about improving services for students and customers by creating more full-time opportunities for staff."
Mrs Williams said that the new structure will create more full time, long term positions with a full time equivalent staff of 157 full-time permanent and long term contracts (up from 87 in the current structure); and up to 40 short term contracts.
"This plan will provide students with high quality advice and service from 8am to 8pm, six days a week and 24/7 online all year round," Mrs Williams said.
"Teaching sections will also benefit by having full-time administrative support in their sections."
