New Wangaratta TEC to close under liberals

A new Technical Education Centre planned for Wangaratta and due to open early next year would not go ahead under a future Liberal Government, the Minister for Education and Training, Lynne Kosky said today.

Ms Kosky said Liberal policy released on the weekend revealed that millions of dollars in funds allocated for the Wangaratta centre would be re-directed to metropolitan Melbourne.

“I am not sure what the parents and students of Wangaratta have done to deserve this treatment, but it shows that the Liberal Party still treats country Victoria as the ‘toenails’ of the state,” Ms Kosky said.

“This short sighted decision is a slap in the face for the people of North East Victoria.

“The Liberal Party has proved its education policy is the same as it was in the 90s, a policy of forcing schools to close.

“Let me make this very clear the Wangaratta TEC will be built by a Bracks Government and will prove to be a valuable asset to students, families and employers alike.

It will provide cutting edge facilities and high quality training with strong links to local industry for young people in Years 10, 11 and 12 in Wangaratta and surrounding areas.

“We know the region is currently experiencing skill shortages in a range of areas, including manufacturing, agriculture, forestry and fishing, health and community services, hospitality, construction, transport and storage.

“That’s what our TEC will be providing training in – skill shortage areas to give young people in North East Victoria access to training and good jobs, and to make sure that industries flourish with well trained staff.

Ms Kosky praised the contribution of Murray Valley MP, Ken Jasper, who has been working closely with her to ensure that the new TEC in Wangaratta builds on the very positive work that the secondary schools were already doing

“I understand from Mr Jasper the community has identified the position of the new TEC at the TAFE site and planning works are well under way,” Ms Kosky said.