Labor and the government have clashed over TasTAFE's move out of Launceston's CBD.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Labor skills spokeswoman Michelle O'Byrne said the decision to move the campus out of the city to Alanvale made no sense.
"While we have a new private educational precinct being developed in the Launceston CBD, UTAS moving in to the city and interest from an intestate university to establish in Launceston, the government is failing to invest in the TAFE CBD campus and has moved their delivery out to Alanvale," Ms O'Byrne said.
"The move is impacting on TAFE students who are finding it difficult to get to the Alanvale campus.
"We know that one of the main drivers for UTAS moving into the CBD was for the campus to become central to the life of the city - if the government feels this is important for UTAS, it should treat TAFE with the same respect.
"The government seems determined to let the public provider of skills of training fail by refusing to invest in much needed infrastructure upgrades at the Launceston CBD site or addressing serious concerns over staff shortages and cuts to courses."
In other news:
But Education and Training Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the move, widely supported by industry, would centralise TasTAFE's Northern offerings in one refurbished, modern campus which would in turn deliver significant cost savings to be reinvested into facilities and equipment.
Mr Rockliff said the move would also increase capacity for nursing enrollments.
"TasTAFE's Alanvale campus in Launceston will receive a $4 million upgrade to improve learning opportunities for our students," Mr Rockliff said.
"The ageing Launceston City Campus in Wellington and Paterson Streets is no longer fit-for-purpose, which is why we have commenced relocating to Alanvale. Drysdale North will continue to operate from its existing premises in Paterson Street.
"In another desperate attempt to gain relevance, Labor are again reckless fear-mongering with TasTAFE and continuing to undermine our hardworking teachers and students."