❓ A parliamentary question addresses staff and resource cuts at the Hedland Campus of Pilbara TAFE. The Minister acknowledges funding reductions but denies negative impacts on training delivery or compliance with AQTF specifications, anticipating improvements through efficiency and expanded course offerings.
AnsweredQoN 1587Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
With regard to the Hedland Campus of Pilbara TAFE, I ask -
(1) Is the Minister aware of the severity of staff and resource cuts occurring at Pilbara TAFE, particularly Hedland Campus, in the past six months?
(2) If no, why not?
(3) If yes to (1), can the Minister describe his understanding of the nature of these cuts?
(4) If yes to (1), could the Minister please provide the rationale of how these staff cuts are meant to contribute to employee work satisfaction and delivery of customer service?
(5) Is the Minister concerned with the devolving of the workplace social fabric as a result of these cuts?
(6) Is the Minister concerned with similar negative impacts on the wider Port Hedland community?
(7) Is the Minister anticipating further staff cuts for Pilbara TAFE?
(8) If ‘Yes’ to (7), how are these staffing cuts meant to contribute to the College’s capacity to comply with AQTF specifications?
(1) Is the Minister aware of the severity of staff and resource cuts occurring at Pilbara TAFE, particularly Hedland Campus, in the past six months?
(2) If no, why not?
(3) If yes to (1), can the Minister describe his understanding of the nature of these cuts?
(4) If yes to (1), could the Minister please provide the rationale of how these staff cuts are meant to contribute to employee work satisfaction and delivery of customer service?
(5) Is the Minister concerned with the devolving of the workplace social fabric as a result of these cuts?
(6) Is the Minister concerned with similar negative impacts on the wider Port Hedland community?
(7) Is the Minister anticipating further staff cuts for Pilbara TAFE?
(8) If ‘Yes’ to (7), how are these staffing cuts meant to contribute to the College’s capacity to comply with AQTF specifications?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
12 December 2003
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Education and Training
Response time
3 days
1. There has been no reduction in the resources provided for training and the associated employment of lecturing staff in the Pilbara. In 2003 there has been a $750,000 reduction in the resources provided to Pilbara TAFE, which has required some reduction in staffing. To date no permanent public servants have lost their jobs as a result of the reduction.
2. Not applicable.
3. The Pilbara College receives more funding per student training hour than any other TAFE college in Western Australia, despite the reductions in resources. The changes will contribute to a stronger focus on training delivery through a reduction in the ratio of corporate services staff to lecturing staff. In the main, the reductions will be achieved through natural attrition and a review of contracting arrangements.
4. The increased focus on training delivery will lead to improved customer services.
5. Over the long term it is expected that the College will provide increased job satisfaction and opportunities for its workforce.
6. The Port Hedland community will enjoy a number of benefits from the amalgamation. In 2004 the College plans to expand the range of courses which will mean increased training opportunities for people in the region. The new college is also expanding options for school students in the Pilbara.
7. Over the next two years a further $750 000 in savings is anticipated. Any impact on staffing will be handled through natural attrition and a review of contracting arrangements.
8. There will be no impact on the college’s capacity to comply with the AQTF.
2. Not applicable.
3. The Pilbara College receives more funding per student training hour than any other TAFE college in Western Australia, despite the reductions in resources. The changes will contribute to a stronger focus on training delivery through a reduction in the ratio of corporate services staff to lecturing staff. In the main, the reductions will be achieved through natural attrition and a review of contracting arrangements.
4. The increased focus on training delivery will lead to improved customer services.
5. Over the long term it is expected that the College will provide increased job satisfaction and opportunities for its workforce.
6. The Port Hedland community will enjoy a number of benefits from the amalgamation. In 2004 the College plans to expand the range of courses which will mean increased training opportunities for people in the region. The new college is also expanding options for school students in the Pilbara.
7. Over the next two years a further $750 000 in savings is anticipated. Any impact on staffing will be handled through natural attrition and a review of contracting arrangements.
8. There will be no impact on the college’s capacity to comply with the AQTF.
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