|
Hornery, Sonia to the
Minister for Education
|
- Will class sizes increase as a result of the Government's $1.7 billion cuts
to the State's education system?
- Will the reduced operating budget result in students having diminished
access to essential resources?
- How will the Minister attract students to undertake TAFE courses after he
has increased course fees, increased student concessions fees and cut funding
from courses?
- How will the Minister address the State's skills shortage?
|
|
Answer -
|
- Teachers in government schools will be quarantined from savings measures
being implemented to meet budget requirements. For NSW public schools, the
state wide class size policy will continue under Local Schools, Local
Decisions. The proposed new Staffing Agreement (recommended by the Teachers
Federation's Executive for consideration by its Council in late October 2012)
also maintains the class size policy.
- Schools will continue to have access to funds for essential resources for
students.
- TAFE NSW fees for government subsidised enrolments will continue to be
lower than fees that are charged in many other States and Territories. TAFE NSW
has the most generous fee exemption and concession policy for disadvantaged
students compared to other States and Territories.
Courses in Fine Arts
including sculpture, visual arts and ceramics, while valued by the community,
are areas of low employment growth. These courses will be offered by TAFE NSW
on a fee for service basis from 1 January 2013.
TAFE NSW will continue to
focus on areas of high skill needs and provide government subsidies to these
skill areas. TAFE NSW will continue to promote the high quality, flexibility
and value of its courses and services to individuals and employers.
-
Through labour market research and industry consultations, we will identify
areas which support employment growth and which are vital to the NSW economy.
Resources will be strategically allocated to support training in those skills
shortage areas.
|
|
|
Question asked on 18 September 2012 (session 55-1)
and printed in
Questions & Answers Paper No. 116
|
|
Answer received on 23 October 2012
and printed in
Questions & Answers Paper No. 122
|
