TAFE cuts affecting students with disabilities in the New England area have prompted independent candidate Tony Windsor to call for a swift resolution.
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Responding to concerns from residents raised in community meetings in the electorate, Mr Windsor said the cuts would have far reaching impacts on the learning, experience and opportunities for students with disabilities.
“It’s clear the Commonwealth is taking more of a funding role in the VET sector, but I am concerned that there seems to be very little direction on how the funding is used by the states in their delivery of what are essential education services,” Mr Windsor said.
The former MP also hit out at sitting member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, and called on him to make moves within government to fix the situation.
“People are outraged and are asking where Mr Joyce is on this issue,” Mr Windsor said.
“That Mr Joyce has allowed $7.5 million to be cut from TAFE is bad enough, but for those cuts to disproportionately affect disability and Indigenous support services, people who benefit greatly from TAFE, should be a great point of shame for the NSW government and Mr Joyce.”
Mr Windsor said he has scheduled meetings with local TAFE staff this week.
