The State Government must explain why so-called ‘free TAFE’ courses are not free at all, the Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has told Parliament.
Ms Broad said people were attempting to enrol in courses believing they would be free, only to discover they would have to pay a range of costs.
“One of my constituents, Stephanie, recently tried to enrol in a TAFE course believing that it would be free, as advertised by the government.
“She was very upset to find out that before her enrolment would be accepted, she had to pay an administration fee and also buy books for the course. She did not have the funds on hand to pay these amounts.
“Stephanie said no government or TAFE should state courses are free when the purchase of textbooks is compulsory for tuition, and she believes the government should stop deceiving the public.
“Stephanie was left feeling angry, humiliated and frustrated when she tried to begin a course that would qualify her for important work in the counselling field.”
Ms Broad said she had also been contacted by a man who attempted to enrol for a ‘free’ TAFE course, only to discover there was a $480 tuition fee and textbooks would be another $600.
“Needless to say he did not commence the free-TAFE course.
“These so-called ‘free TAFE’ courses are in fact subsidised courses. The government should rename the free TAFE program ‘subsidised TAFE’ in the interest of truth and accuracy.”
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
