PROTECT REGIONAL TERTIARY EDUCATION PUBLIC FORUM ON WEDNESDAY 1 JUNE
May 31, 2005
The NTEU and the New South Wales Teachers’ Federation will jointly hold a Public Forum on Wednesday 1 June, as part of a National Day of Protest against the Howard Government’s attacks on tertiary education, which will see future funding for universities and TAFE institutes tied to unnecessary and unwanted workplace relations reforms.
Details of the Forum are:
WHEN: WEDNESDAY 1 JUNE 2005
TIME: 5 pm for 5.30 pm start
WHERE: THE BANKSIA ROOM
THE COMMERCIAL CLUB
618 DEAN ST ALBURY
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Dr Stuart Rosewarne, Senior Lecturer, University of Sydney, President, NTEU NSW Division
“The Howard Government’s changes will see future funding for universities and the TAFE sector directly tied to measures that will lower salary levels and employment conditions for tertiary education staff. This will put further pressure on regional institutions in their attempts to attract and retain quality staff,” Kevin Poynter, NTEU Charles Sturt University Branch President, said today.
“The NTEU and our colleagues at the NSW Teachers’ Federation have jointly organised this Forum so that the people in this community have the opportunity to hear for themselves what the effects will be on tertiary education institutions in this region.”
“The Government’s proposed Voluntary Student Unionism legislation will also severely affect regional communities. The fees charged by tertiary institutions not only provide essential services for students, they also play a vital role in providing sporting and other facilities for the wider community that otherwise wouldn’t be available.”
Mr Poynter said that these measures are not designed to support education and training in Australia, but to attack staff and their unions. None of the requirements will improve university or vocational education and training for one Australian, or increase career opportunities for young people.
“We urge everyone that is concerned about the future of tertiary education in the Albury-Wodonga region to come to this important Forum on Wednesday.”
For further information and comment:
Bill Deller (NTEU La Trobe University Branch President) 0429 792 274
Kevin Poynter (NTEU Charles Sturt University Branch President) 0400 374 582
Maxine Sharkey (NSW Teachers’ Federation, TAFE Organiser) (02) 9217 2309