WA’s TAFE system has been diminished by years of under-funding; casualisation of teaching staff, and course closures. Fees have increased a shocking 300% since 2013. TAFE education is now unaffordable or inaccessible for many Western Australians. Enrolments dropped 24.5% between 2013 and 2016. Student debt has spiralled and the increasing cost of living is a barrier to higher education and training for the next generation of students.
People who are unemployed should not find it difficult or unaffordable to gain new skills through TAFE. No one should have to go into debt just to get an education. Federally, the Greens plan will fund unlimited free TAFE and undergraduate university courses for everyone.
Alison’s first qualification was a certificate IV attained at TAFE and was her gateway to gaining further qualifications.
