A parliamentary question regarding the increase in adult community education fees in Western Australia, the justification for the increase, and potential future fee increases. The government defends the increase due to costs and offers concessions.

AnsweredQoN 1392Legislative Council
Asked
14 May 2002
Portfolio
Consumer and Employment Protection

QuestionView source ↗

ADULT COMMUNITY EDUCATION FEE, INCREASE
(1) How can the Government justify the increase in the adult community education fee from $5 to $7 an hour in 2002, an increase of 40 per cent? (2) For what period will the current fee structure stay in place? (3) Is the Government considering an increase in the service/enrolment fee and the materials fee in the near future? Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS

AnswerView source ↗

(1) Prior to 2002, tuition fees for adult community education courses at technical and further education colleges had not changed since 1998. Tuition fees for adult community education courses were considerably lower than the costs of delivery and were increased to ensure that the range of adult community education courses provided by the TAFE college network could be maintained. A 50 per cent concession rate is available to assist low-income earners and people with special needs. In addition, tuition fees for concession students are capped at a maximum of $70 per course. Department data shows that approximately 25 per cent of students receive a concession on tuition fees. (2)-(3) Departments are required to review fees and charges on an annual basis as part of the budget process. All fees and charges, including tuition, enrolment and resource fees for adult community education courses are included in the review process.
(2) For what period will the current fee structure stay in place? (3) Is the Government considering an increase in the service/enrolment fee and the materials fee in the near future? Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS replied: (1) Prior to 2002, tuition fees for adult community education courses at technical and further education colleges had not changed since 1998. Tuition fees for adult community education courses were considerably lower than the costs of delivery and were increased to ensure that the range of adult community education courses provided by the TAFE college network could be maintained. A 50 per cent concession rate is available to assist low-income earners and people with special needs. In addition, tuition fees for concession students are capped at a maximum of $70 per course. Department data shows that approximately 25 per cent of students receive a concession on tuition fees. (2)-(3) Departments are required to review fees and charges on an annual basis as part of the budget process. All fees and charges, including tuition, enrolment and resource fees for adult community education courses are included in the review process.
(3) Is the Government considering an increase in the service/enrolment fee and the materials fee in the near future? Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS replied: (1) Prior to 2002, tuition fees for adult community education courses at technical and further education colleges had not changed since 1998. Tuition fees for adult community education courses were considerably lower than the costs of delivery and were increased to ensure that the range of adult community education courses provided by the TAFE college network could be maintained. A 50 per cent concession rate is available to assist low-income earners and people with special needs. In addition, tuition fees for concession students are capped at a maximum of $70 per course. Department data shows that approximately 25 per cent of students receive a concession on tuition fees. (2)-(3) Departments are required to review fees and charges on an annual basis as part of the budget process. All fees and charges, including tuition, enrolment and resource fees for adult community education courses are included in the review process.
Hon N.D. GRIFFITHS replied: (1) Prior to 2002, tuition fees for adult community education courses at technical and further education colleges had not changed since 1998. Tuition fees for adult community education courses were considerably lower than the costs of delivery and were increased to ensure that the range of adult community education courses provided by the TAFE college network could be maintained. A 50 per cent concession rate is available to assist low-income earners and people with special needs. In addition, tuition fees for concession students are capped at a maximum of $70 per course. Department data shows that approximately 25 per cent of students receive a concession on tuition fees. (2)-(3) Departments are required to review fees and charges on an annual basis as part of the budget process. All fees and charges, including tuition, enrolment and resource fees for adult community education courses are included in the review process.
(1) Prior to 2002, tuition fees for adult community education courses at technical and further education colleges had not changed since 1998. Tuition fees for adult community education courses were considerably lower than the costs of delivery and were increased to ensure that the range of adult community education courses provided by the TAFE college network could be maintained. A 50 per cent concession rate is available to assist low-income earners and people with special needs. In addition, tuition fees for concession students are capped at a maximum of $70 per course. Department data shows that approximately 25 per cent of students receive a concession on tuition fees. (2)-(3) Departments are required to review fees and charges on an annual basis as part of the budget process. All fees and charges, including tuition, enrolment and resource fees for adult community education courses are included in the review process.
(2)-(3) Departments are required to review fees and charges on an annual basis as part of the budget process. All fees and charges, including tuition, enrolment and resource fees for adult community education courses are included in the review process.

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