Queensland Govt Pushes Through Closures of TAFE Campuses
The state government of Queensland has finally approved to push through with the closures and sale of some 13 empty TAFE (Technical and Further Education) Campuses, while another 12 are being planned to be combined the Central Queensland Institute of TAFE and the Central Queensland University.
The disposal and consolidation of Queensland's TAFE colleges are meant to provide students with modern and equipped campuses, rather than just crumbling educational institutions.
"We want TAFEs that are modern and up to date and full of students. We don't want ageing, crumbling relics that are withering on the vine," John-Paul Langbroek, Queensland's Education Minister, said over the weekend.
Most of the 13 TAFEs targeted for sale were the unused campuses in Brisbane. Sale proceeds, according to Mr Langbroek, will still go back to the TAFEs.
An independent report submitted earlier in November recommended the closure of half of Queensland's 80 plus TAFE campuses in order to focus on building and providing skills training that will surely aid the improvement of the state's economy. Specifically, more money should be spent on more training geared towards mining, tourism, agriculture and construction courses, the report pointed out.
"We want to make sure TAFE courses align with government priorities and meet demands in the marketplace, to produce real career outcomes for VET students," Mr Langbroek earlier said.
But Brendan Sheehan, a policy consultant, blasted the state government's concentration on just four industry areas. "There are things that are central to the economy, but what about things central to the community? We need a lot more aged care workers," he was quoted by The Australian.