Following a disastrous poll result, and strong support for the ATC from industry, the Premier appears to have had a change of heart about axing the Australian Technical College
David Bartlett has always been ideologically opposed to the ATC from the start and was prepared to abandon a successful model and force students into a demonstrably struggling one
The ATC is a highly successful flexible model for education which delivers good outcomes for both industry and students beyond Year 10
In light of the State Government’s appalling poll result, the Premier appears to have had a change of heart regarding the future of the Australian Technical College in Northern Tasmania.
I raised the future of the College as a Matter of State Importance in Parliament today.
David Bartlett and Labor have been ideologically opposed to the ATC from the start and were prepared to abandon a successful model and force students into a demonstrably struggling one – the Tasmanian Polytechnic.
But only today – after an appalling performance in the polls – the Premier appeared to have backflipped and pledged his support for the College’s future. If it takes a bad poll to get such a result, then so be it.
The test will be if Bartlett succeeds in delivering on his word today in Parliament.
This also comes after strong indications from Launceston Chamber of Commerce and Industry representatives who were on the original Board, indicating that they want the ATC to continue.
The current one-size-fits-all structure under the Tasmania Tomorrow model, the vertical line management system and the lack of devolution of real decision making and resources to campuses have all been highly criticised.
Ironically, the ATC is in fact a successful flexible model for education and training, which delivers good outcomes for both students and industry. The results show not only that they are leading VET providers, but also that they succeed in ensuring that student learning goes beyond year 10.
While Mr Bartlett believes that “one size fits all” when it comes to education, the Liberals believe in students’ right to choose, and the need for alternative methods of delivery.
Even the Launceston Chamber of Commerce and Industry has written to the Premier and Federal Minister for Education to reverse the decision to axe the College, noting how the strong ground swell of support for the College from local business, students, parents, industry and the community reflects that it is a model that can work into the future.
We urge the Premier to now at least ensure that User Choice funding applications by the ATC are given a proper chance by State Government and the Productivity Placement Funding of $270,000 already gained is reinstated.
Sue Napier MP Shadow Minister for Education
