SI Fremantle Campaign Against 2014 TAFE Fees Increase

In August 2013, the then Minister for Training and Workforce Development, Terry Redman announced that the cap on tuition fees of just over $600 per semester will be scrapped from 2014 signally that the hourly rate at which fees are charged will nearly triple.
This will have a significant impact on the educational opportunities for the women that the SIWA Regional Project sponsors who are learning to take control of their lives after leaving abusive relationships and are moving towards financial independence.
Given that the tuition fees for an 18-month nursing diploma will increase from just under $2000, to around $8000, this course of further study that will lead women to meaningful employment has now been priced out of their reach.

Fee increases across the board will have an impact on the aged care, disability care and the child care sectors who employ large numbers of women and who are among the lowest paid workers in our State.
Accordingly, SI Fremantle’s Advocacy for Action Committee sent letters to the Premier, the Minister for Training, the Minster for Women’s Interests and the Minister for Community Services asking the Government to reconsider the fee increases especially for courses in the community and social services sectors.
A corresponding series of letters were also sent to the Leader of the Opposition and the relevant shadow representatives asking their support.
The Advocacy for Action Committee will follow-up this initial request with the Government and the Opposition early in the new year.

Pamela Fruin
SI Fremantle
Advocacy for Action Committee