The push to bring local control back to TAFE New England is continuing with Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson meeting with the Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education in Parliament. 

Mr Anderson said a recent review into vocational education and training (NSW VET review) demonstrated the need for change.  

“We need to bring local control back to TAFE New England, with a local boss who has a strong understanding of our community and the needs of our students and businesses,” Mr Anderson said. 

“TAFE is an essential training institution that helps people get into the workforce, and it provides a pipeline of workers for so many of our local businesses. 

“I’ve been meeting with local teachers, staff and students who have been frustrated by TAFE’s current operating model and a lack of response from management who are based elsewhere. 

“Local businesses have also been left frustrated by the fact that they don’t have a local boss they can’t talk to so they can plan for their future workforce and training needs. 

“The NSW Government released an interim report into the VET sector, which highlighted the need for change. As a result, I met with the Minister to update him on my push to bring local control back to TAFE New England. 

“We need a local boss who is responsible for liaising with industry and ensures TAFE’s course offerings are meeting the current and future needs of our business community and our students. 

“We need a return to a model like the old TAFE New England model to ensure our communities are served by local leadership who understand the local community.