❓ Hon Peter Collier questions the Minister for Education and Training regarding the lack of fee reductions for specific TAFE courses relevant to the defence industry. The Minister responds by highlighting previous fee increases under the Liberal-National government and outlines alternative courses included in the 'Lower Fees, Local Skills' initiative, while also mentioning a workforce development plan in progress.
AnsweredQoN 1508Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
TAFE FEES
1508. Hon PETER COLLIER to
the Minister for Education and Training:
(1) Will the minister confirm that the following TAFE
training courses do not receive the 50 per cent reduction in fees for
local students: certificate III in marine craft construction; diploma of
engineering, maintenance planning, scheduling and coordination skill set; and,
advanced diploma of engineering technology (electrical), industrial control
system programming skill set?
(2) If not, why
was there no reduction in fees for these courses given the skills are needed to
expand the defence industry, including full-cycle docking?
1508. Hon PETER COLLIER to
the Minister for Education and Training:
(1) Will the minister confirm that the following TAFE
training courses do not receive the 50 per cent reduction in fees for
local students: certificate III in marine craft construction; diploma of
engineering, maintenance planning, scheduling and coordination skill set; and,
advanced diploma of engineering technology (electrical), industrial control
system programming skill set?
(2) If not, why
was there no reduction in fees for these courses given the skills are needed to
expand the defence industry, including full-cycle docking?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1) Under the
previous Liberal–National government, the courses listed in the
question increased by up to 233 per cent, putting them out of reach for most Western
Australians. The course fees for a certificate III in marine craft construction
cost $1 685 in 2013 and $2 808 in 2017—an increase of 67 per cent. A diploma
of engineering in maintenance planning, scheduling and coordination skill set
cost $595 in 2013 and $1 980 in 2017—an increase of 233 per cent. An advanced
diploma of engineering technology (electrical) in industrial control system
programming skill set cost $564 in 2013 and $1 876 in 2017—an increase
of 233 per cent. Although the courses are not currently listed in the Lower
Fees, Local Skills initiative, the following
courses are included, which are in direct response to supporting the defence
industry and diversifying the state's economy: certificate III
in engineering—fabrication trade; certificate III in engineering—mechanical
trade; and certificate III in electrotechnology electrician.
(2) The 34
courses that are currently part of the Lower Fees, Local Skills initiative were
based on industry advice gathered through workforce planning consultations. A comprehensive
workforce development plan for the maritime defence industry is being
finalised. It will inform training to support the expansion of the industry,
including the proposed transfer of full-cycle docking to Western Australia in
2024–25. This will include recommendations about fee settings.
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1) Under the
previous Liberal–National government, the courses listed in the
question increased by up to 233 per cent, putting them out of reach for most Western
Australians. The course fees for a certificate III in marine craft construction
cost $1 685 in 2013 and $2 808 in 2017—an increase of 67 per cent. A diploma
of engineering in maintenance planning, scheduling and coordination skill set
cost $595 in 2013 and $1 980 in 2017—an increase of 233 per cent. An advanced
diploma of engineering technology (electrical) in industrial control system
programming skill set cost $564 in 2013 and $1 876 in 2017—an increase
of 233 per cent. Although the courses are not currently listed in the Lower
Fees, Local Skills initiative, the following
courses are included, which are in direct response to supporting the defence
industry and diversifying the state's economy: certificate III
in engineering—fabrication trade; certificate III in engineering—mechanical
trade; and certificate III in electrotechnology electrician.
(2) The 34
courses that are currently part of the Lower Fees, Local Skills initiative were
based on industry advice gathered through workforce planning consultations. A comprehensive
workforce development plan for the maritime defence industry is being
finalised. It will inform training to support the expansion of the industry,
including the proposed transfer of full-cycle docking to Western Australia in
2024–25. This will include recommendations about fee settings.
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