Thursday, 17 October 2024

Chisholm Institute

Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (12:03): (694) My question is to the Minister for Skills and TAFE. Minister, is Chisholm TAFE in Wonthaggi going to close on your watch?

Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:03): The fact of the matter is that there are ongoing discussions going on with Chisholm on the delivery of courses. We do have a number of areas in which vocational education and training can be undertaken at Wonthaggi. There are also arrangements with Chisholm and TAFE Gippsland to undertake a range of courses that will ensure that those that live at Wonthaggi do have access. There are also discussions with TAFE Gippsland in relation to them being able to further or extend their delivery into the community of Wonthaggi.

Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (12:04): Thank you, Minister, for your answer. Chisholm TAFE Wonthaggi campus does not offer face-to-face learning. Why are students in Wonthaggi being refused access to the same standard of training that other Victorians have?

Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:05): Well, they are not, and I think that is an overstatement, to say the very least. There are a range of arrangements that are in place, but we are making sure that there is provision planning across the board in terms of the TAFE network, and that is exactly what is happening. There are discussions occurring, as I said, with Chisholm and TAFE Gippsland to ensure that the people of Wonthaggi can continue to have the services that they deserve in their community.