I attended the public meeting for ‘Save our ATC’ last night and spoke to the crowd of concerned staff, students, industry and parents in support of saving the College and called for Premier Bartlett to do all he could to make that possible.
At the meeting there was unanimous support for a motion in which the Premier was called on to fully support the continued operation of the Australian Technical College in Northern Tasmania as an independent training College by indicating his support to the Federal Government, providing access to User Choice and schools funding, reinstating the Productivity Placement Funding of $270,000 already gained and considering any other interim financial assistance.
The Premier must make sure that User Choice funding applications by the ATC are given a proper chance by State Government rather than wash his hands of his responsibility to do everything he can to keep this successful training option open.
Mr Bartlett could also consider an interim funding assistance application if needed, especially as recent actions and uncertainty may actually reduce next year’s enrolment.
The Premier must take action by Tuesday next week – the day that representatives of the ATC meet with the Federal Minister for Education, Julia Gillard.
While Mr Bartlett believes that “one size fits all” when it comes to education, the Liberals believe in students’ right to choose.
Sue Napier MP Shadow Minister for Education
