❓ Hon Tjorn Sibma questions the adequacy of TAFE funding given reported deficits, while the Minister highlights increased funding and infrastructure investment. The Minister's response does not directly address the deficit issue.
AnsweredQoN 340Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
TAFE—Funding
340. Hon Tjorn Sibma to
the Leader of the House representing the Minister for Skills and TAFE:
I refer to Office of
the Auditor General's Report 18: 2024–25: Universities
and TAFEs 2024–Financial audit results of 30 May, which revealed
that each TAFE in Western Australia has recorded a budget deficit every year
between 2019 and 2024 inclusive.
(1) Are TAFEs being adequately funded for their
operational needs?
(2) If yes to (1), are TAFEs also being adequately
funded for infrastructure maintenance and replacement?
(3) What work is being done to ensure that TAFEs
do not operate in perpetual deficit and underdeliver on student and industry
expectations?
340. Hon Tjorn Sibma to
the Leader of the House representing the Minister for Skills and TAFE:
I refer to Office of
the Auditor General's Report 18: 2024–25: Universities
and TAFEs 2024–Financial audit results of 30 May, which revealed
that each TAFE in Western Australia has recorded a budget deficit every year
between 2019 and 2024 inclusive.
(1) Are TAFEs being adequately funded for their
operational needs?
(2) If yes to (1), are TAFEs also being adequately
funded for infrastructure maintenance and replacement?
(3) What work is being done to ensure that TAFEs
do not operate in perpetual deficit and underdeliver on student and industry
expectations?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1) Funding for TAFE has increased from around
$327 million in 2019 to around $530 million in 2024, reflecting government's investment
in TAFE colleges to meet student and industry needs.
(2) Government has made significant investment in
TAFE infrastructure, including the $250 million Rebuilding our TAFEs program,
the $25 million Modern TAFE Equipment Program, additional investment of $33.8 million
in TAFE modern equipment over the next four years, and an annual remedial work
program.
(3) Refer to (1) above.
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1) Funding for TAFE has increased from around
$327 million in 2019 to around $530 million in 2024, reflecting government's investment
in TAFE colleges to meet student and industry needs.
(2) Government has made significant investment in
TAFE infrastructure, including the $250 million Rebuilding our TAFEs program,
the $25 million Modern TAFE Equipment Program, additional investment of $33.8 million
in TAFE modern equipment over the next four years, and an annual remedial work
program.
(3) Refer to (1) above.
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