Hon George Cash asks about the accuracy of Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich's statement regarding Challenger TAFE's financial position. Minister Collier refutes the statement, asserting the TAFE is financially sound.

AnsweredQoN 533Legislative Council
Asked
20 May 2009
Portfolio
Training

QuestionView source ↗

challenger tafe — COMMENTS BY Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich
I refer to the discussion paper on training issued by Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, in particular the following quote contained within that paper about Challenger TAFE — Of particular concern is Challenger TAFE’s capacity as the major training provider in the south metropolitan region to deliver the full range of training programs given its deteriorating financial position. Is the minister aware of some concern at Challenger TAFE about the accuracy of that statement, and can the minister advise on the accuracy of that assertion? Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! I welcome Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich to the chamber. The Minister for Training. Hon PETER COLLIER

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for the question. I say at the outset that no, that statement is not accurate. I am aware of the paper. That particular comment has caused serious concern not only for Challenger TAFE but also for the stakeholders. That statement is completely and absolutely inaccurate. All it has done is to serve to basically undermine the credibility of Challenger TAFE—very unnecessarily, I have to say. In fact, the college is enjoying a very strong financial position at the moment, with current cash reserves of around $6 million. The so-called deficit position is in fact a combination of building depreciation and non-cash provisions, and the reinvestment of $3.4 million of surplus cash into equipment, infrastructure and staff learning. Therefore, it is inaccurate to assume—which is basically what this statement that Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich has made is saying—that Challenger TAFE is on the bones of its backside. It is not. It is a very good and productive TAFE college. I have received a copy of an email that was sent to stakeholders of Challenger TAFE. It reads — Dear colleagues Earlier this week you may have received a discussion paper on West Australian training released by Opposition spokeswoman for Commerce and Small Business; Government Accountability Ljiljanna Ravlich. A statement was made in the discussion paper that Challenger TAFE is in a deteriorating financial position. This statement is incorrect. While the College recorded an $8.5 million deficit in 2008, this figure included $6.8 million in depreciation and non-cash provisions. In addition, the College reinvested $3.4 million of its financial surplus to upgrade infrastructure and support innovation within the organisation. Challenger TAFE is enjoying significant growth as one of Western Australia’s premier training organisations. With a strong operating surplus, it is well placed to continue providing high quality training outcomes for its stakeholders now and into the future. Regards, Paddi Creevey Chairperson Governing Council Challenger TAFE. I reassure Hon George Cash that Challenger TAFE is not on the bones of its backside from a financial perspective. It is in a strong operating position. I have total confidence in Liz Harris as managing director and her wonderful team at Challenger TAFE. I have visited Challenger TAFE on a number of occasions since I have taken on this position. I have been absolutely delighted with what is going on at Challenger. Paddi Creevey and the governing council are doing an outstanding job in ensuring that the governance of Challenger TAFE is sound. The statement not only is unreliable, but also has been unhelpful.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! I welcome Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich to the chamber. The Minister for Training. Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. I say at the outset that no, that statement is not accurate. I am aware of the paper. That particular comment has caused serious concern not only for Challenger TAFE but also for the stakeholders. That statement is completely and absolutely inaccurate. All it has done is to serve to basically undermine the credibility of Challenger TAFE—very unnecessarily, I have to say. In fact, the college is enjoying a very strong financial position at the moment, with current cash reserves of around $6 million. The so-called deficit position is in fact a combination of building depreciation and non-cash provisions, and the reinvestment of $3.4 million of surplus cash into equipment, infrastructure and staff learning. Therefore, it is inaccurate to assume—which is basically what this statement that Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich has made is saying—that Challenger TAFE is on the bones of its backside. It is not. It is a very good and productive TAFE college. I have received a copy of an email that was sent to stakeholders of Challenger TAFE. It reads — Dear colleagues Earlier this week you may have received a discussion paper on West Australian training released by Opposition spokeswoman for Commerce and Small Business; Government Accountability Ljiljanna Ravlich. A statement was made in the discussion paper that Challenger TAFE is in a deteriorating financial position. This statement is incorrect. While the College recorded an $8.5 million deficit in 2008, this figure included $6.8 million in depreciation and non-cash provisions. In addition, the College reinvested $3.4 million of its financial surplus to upgrade infrastructure and support innovation within the organisation. Challenger TAFE is enjoying significant growth as one of Western Australia’s premier training organisations. With a strong operating surplus, it is well placed to continue providing high quality training outcomes for its stakeholders now and into the future. Regards, Paddi Creevey Chairperson Governing Council Challenger TAFE. I reassure Hon George Cash that Challenger TAFE is not on the bones of its backside from a financial perspective. It is in a strong operating position. I have total confidence in Liz Harris as managing director and her wonderful team at Challenger TAFE. I have visited Challenger TAFE on a number of occasions since I have taken on this position. I have been absolutely delighted with what is going on at Challenger. Paddi Creevey and the governing council are doing an outstanding job in ensuring that the governance of Challenger TAFE is sound. The statement not only is unreliable, but also has been unhelpful.
The PRESIDENT : Order, members! I welcome Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich to the chamber. The Minister for Training. Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. I say at the outset that no, that statement is not accurate. I am aware of the paper. That particular comment has caused serious concern not only for Challenger TAFE but also for the stakeholders. That statement is completely and absolutely inaccurate. All it has done is to serve to basically undermine the credibility of Challenger TAFE—very unnecessarily, I have to say. In fact, the college is enjoying a very strong financial position at the moment, with current cash reserves of around $6 million. The so-called deficit position is in fact a combination of building depreciation and non-cash provisions, and the reinvestment of $3.4 million of surplus cash into equipment, infrastructure and staff learning. Therefore, it is inaccurate to assume—which is basically what this statement that Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich has made is saying—that Challenger TAFE is on the bones of its backside. It is not. It is a very good and productive TAFE college. I have received a copy of an email that was sent to stakeholders of Challenger TAFE. It reads — Dear colleagues Earlier this week you may have received a discussion paper on West Australian training released by Opposition spokeswoman for Commerce and Small Business; Government Accountability Ljiljanna Ravlich. A statement was made in the discussion paper that Challenger TAFE is in a deteriorating financial position. This statement is incorrect. While the College recorded an $8.5 million deficit in 2008, this figure included $6.8 million in depreciation and non-cash provisions. In addition, the College reinvested $3.4 million of its financial surplus to upgrade infrastructure and support innovation within the organisation. Challenger TAFE is enjoying significant growth as one of Western Australia’s premier training organisations. With a strong operating surplus, it is well placed to continue providing high quality training outcomes for its stakeholders now and into the future. Regards, Paddi Creevey Chairperson Governing Council Challenger TAFE. I reassure Hon George Cash that Challenger TAFE is not on the bones of its backside from a financial perspective. It is in a strong operating position. I have total confidence in Liz Harris as managing director and her wonderful team at Challenger TAFE. I have visited Challenger TAFE on a number of occasions since I have taken on this position. I have been absolutely delighted with what is going on at Challenger. Paddi Creevey and the governing council are doing an outstanding job in ensuring that the governance of Challenger TAFE is sound. The statement not only is unreliable, but also has been unhelpful.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. I say at the outset that no, that statement is not accurate. I am aware of the paper. That particular comment has caused serious concern not only for Challenger TAFE but also for the stakeholders. That statement is completely and absolutely inaccurate. All it has done is to serve to basically undermine the credibility of Challenger TAFE—very unnecessarily, I have to say. In fact, the college is enjoying a very strong financial position at the moment, with current cash reserves of around $6 million. The so-called deficit position is in fact a combination of building depreciation and non-cash provisions, and the reinvestment of $3.4 million of surplus cash into equipment, infrastructure and staff learning. Therefore, it is inaccurate to assume—which is basically what this statement that Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich has made is saying—that Challenger TAFE is on the bones of its backside. It is not. It is a very good and productive TAFE college. I have received a copy of an email that was sent to stakeholders of Challenger TAFE. It reads — Dear colleagues Earlier this week you may have received a discussion paper on West Australian training released by Opposition spokeswoman for Commerce and Small Business; Government Accountability Ljiljanna Ravlich. A statement was made in the discussion paper that Challenger TAFE is in a deteriorating financial position. This statement is incorrect. While the College recorded an $8.5 million deficit in 2008, this figure included $6.8 million in depreciation and non-cash provisions. In addition, the College reinvested $3.4 million of its financial surplus to upgrade infrastructure and support innovation within the organisation. Challenger TAFE is enjoying significant growth as one of Western Australia’s premier training organisations. With a strong operating surplus, it is well placed to continue providing high quality training outcomes for its stakeholders now and into the future. Regards, Paddi Creevey Chairperson Governing Council Challenger TAFE. I reassure Hon George Cash that Challenger TAFE is not on the bones of its backside from a financial perspective. It is in a strong operating position. I have total confidence in Liz Harris as managing director and her wonderful team at Challenger TAFE. I have visited Challenger TAFE on a number of occasions since I have taken on this position. I have been absolutely delighted with what is going on at Challenger. Paddi Creevey and the governing council are doing an outstanding job in ensuring that the governance of Challenger TAFE is sound. The statement not only is unreliable, but also has been unhelpful.
I thank the honourable member for the question. I say at the outset that no, that statement is not accurate. I am aware of the paper. That particular comment has caused serious concern not only for Challenger TAFE but also for the stakeholders. That statement is completely and absolutely inaccurate. All it has done is to serve to basically undermine the credibility of Challenger TAFE—very unnecessarily, I have to say. In fact, the college is enjoying a very strong financial position at the moment, with current cash reserves of around $6 million. The so-called deficit position is in fact a combination of building depreciation and non-cash provisions, and the reinvestment of $3.4 million of surplus cash into equipment, infrastructure and staff learning. Therefore, it is inaccurate to assume—which is basically what this statement that Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich has made is saying—that Challenger TAFE is on the bones of its backside. It is not. It is a very good and productive TAFE college. I have received a copy of an email that was sent to stakeholders of Challenger TAFE. It reads — Dear colleagues Earlier this week you may have received a discussion paper on West Australian training released by Opposition spokeswoman for Commerce and Small Business; Government Accountability Ljiljanna Ravlich. A statement was made in the discussion paper that Challenger TAFE is in a deteriorating financial position. This statement is incorrect. While the College recorded an $8.5 million deficit in 2008, this figure included $6.8 million in depreciation and non-cash provisions. In addition, the College reinvested $3.4 million of its financial surplus to upgrade infrastructure and support innovation within the organisation. Challenger TAFE is enjoying significant growth as one of Western Australia’s premier training organisations. With a strong operating surplus, it is well placed to continue providing high quality training outcomes for its stakeholders now and into the future. Regards, Paddi Creevey Chairperson Governing Council Challenger TAFE. I reassure Hon George Cash that Challenger TAFE is not on the bones of its backside from a financial perspective. It is in a strong operating position. I have total confidence in Liz Harris as managing director and her wonderful team at Challenger TAFE. I have visited Challenger TAFE on a number of occasions since I have taken on this position. I have been absolutely delighted with what is going on at Challenger. Paddi Creevey and the governing council are doing an outstanding job in ensuring that the governance of Challenger TAFE is sound. The statement not only is unreliable, but also has been unhelpful.
Earlier this week you may have received a discussion paper on West Australian training released by Opposition spokeswoman for Commerce and Small Business; Government Accountability Ljiljanna Ravlich. A statement was made in the discussion paper that Challenger TAFE is in a deteriorating financial position. This statement is incorrect. While the College recorded an $8.5 million deficit in 2008, this figure included $6.8 million in depreciation and non-cash provisions. In addition, the College reinvested $3.4 million of its financial surplus to upgrade infrastructure and support innovation within the organisation. Challenger TAFE is enjoying significant growth as one of Western Australia’s premier training organisations. With a strong operating surplus, it is well placed to continue providing high quality training outcomes for its stakeholders now and into the future. Regards, Paddi Creevey Chairperson Governing Council Challenger TAFE.
A statement was made in the discussion paper that Challenger TAFE is in a deteriorating financial position. This statement is incorrect. While the College recorded an $8.5 million deficit in 2008, this figure included $6.8 million in depreciation and non-cash provisions. In addition, the College reinvested $3.4 million of its financial surplus to upgrade infrastructure and support innovation within the organisation. Challenger TAFE is enjoying significant growth as one of Western Australia’s premier training organisations. With a strong operating surplus, it is well placed to continue providing high quality training outcomes for its stakeholders now and into the future. Regards, Paddi Creevey Chairperson Governing Council Challenger TAFE.
This statement is incorrect. While the College recorded an $8.5 million deficit in 2008, this figure included $6.8 million in depreciation and non-cash provisions. In addition, the College reinvested $3.4 million of its financial surplus to upgrade infrastructure and support innovation within the organisation. Challenger TAFE is enjoying significant growth as one of Western Australia’s premier training organisations. With a strong operating surplus, it is well placed to continue providing high quality training outcomes for its stakeholders now and into the future. Regards, Paddi Creevey Chairperson Governing Council Challenger TAFE.
While the College recorded an $8.5 million deficit in 2008, this figure included $6.8 million in depreciation and non-cash provisions. In addition, the College reinvested $3.4 million of its financial surplus to upgrade infrastructure and support innovation within the organisation. Challenger TAFE is enjoying significant growth as one of Western Australia’s premier training organisations. With a strong operating surplus, it is well placed to continue providing high quality training outcomes for its stakeholders now and into the future. Regards, Paddi Creevey Chairperson Governing Council Challenger TAFE.
Challenger TAFE is enjoying significant growth as one of Western Australia’s premier training organisations. With a strong operating surplus, it is well placed to continue providing high quality training outcomes for its stakeholders now and into the future. Regards, Paddi Creevey Chairperson Governing Council Challenger TAFE.
Regards, Paddi Creevey Chairperson Governing Council Challenger TAFE.
Paddi Creevey Chairperson Governing Council Challenger TAFE.

Explore WA Government Data

Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.

Explore more