Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson is continuing his push for greater local control and decision making in TAFE campuses across the New England Northwest.

Mr Anderson said the community and local teachers had raised concerns with the lack of local control and the local decision-making process in our region, with local businesses expressing frustration with the disconnect between class offerings and the needs of the business community.

“Over the past few years, we have built fantastic TAFE facilities in our region, particularly in Gunnedah and Tamworth,” Mr Anderson said.

“However, significant concern has been raised in relation to the decision-making processes with local businesses being left wanting when looking provide their apprentices and employees with additional training opportunities.

“Our local TAFE teachers do an outstanding job, and their hard work and dedication has provided thousands of local students with a meaningful, successful career.

“But they are stretched, and I know they are frustrated with the external management and decision-making process of TAFE being made outside of our region.

“With our local manufacturing and construction industries continuing to grow, TAFE will continue to play a critical role in training local apprentices, ensuring that our industries have the workers they need to run their business.

“That’s why we need local control and local decision making back in our region, ensuring that courses offered are tailored to our local vocational and educational requirements.

“I have now raised these issues and concerns with the Skills Minister, and I look forward to continuing to work with our business community and teachers as we wrestle control back to our region.”