Leaked TAFE SA email pours further fuel on the fire of 178 looming potential job cuts

A leaked email from the TAFE SA chief executive in response to job loss claims aimed to ease employees’ minds, but it’s had the complete opposite effect.

TAFE SA’s chief executive has failed to rule out whether 178 jobs will be lost because of “budgetary pressures”.

The prospect of job losses – raised in a document leaked to the Opposition – was reported by The Advertiser on Friday.

In response, TAFE SA chief executive David Coltman sent an email to all staff referring to the article, and saying TAFE has been “working closely with government to highlight budget matters” and deliver on skills and training.

“As the Treasurer has indicated our submissions are fairly considered and at this time Cabinet has made no decisions,” the email from Mr Coltman said.

TAFE SA chief executive David Coltman sent an email to all staff referring to the article, and saying TAFE has been “working closely with government to highlight budget matters” and deliver on skills and training. Picture: TAFE SA

But what the correspondence failed to highlight was the burning question – whether jobs would be lost. The vague correspondence has left staff confused and insecure.

A TAFE lecturer, who preferred not to be named, said the email was “expected”, but it led many staff members to be “fearful” for their futures.

“It’s generalised and doesn’t say anything,” the lecturer said.

“He’s (Mr Coltman) putting down a smokescreen, it’s smoke and mirrors and he’s obviously covering up as best as he can.”

The lecturer said the email was “expected”, and said that when fewer than eight students were in a class, they would be cancelled, and management are “forcing students to try and find an alternative or private provider”.

TAFE this year scrapped 20 courses from metro campuses, including subsidised childcare, aged care and disability offerings. It also withdrew from lucrative business courses.

Opposition education spokesman, Blair Boyer, said the “ham-fisted” attempt at reassuring staff “only inflamed the situation”.

“We have now had the Treasurer Rob Lucas, Education Minister John Gardner and chief executive David Coltman refuse to rule out that government is cutting jobs in TAFE,” he said.

Mr Lucas said cabinet would assess submissions from agencies, including TAFE, in coming weeks before the June budget.

“The Treasury didn’t agree with the cost pressure number that (TAFE) were claiming in their submissions,” Mr Lucas said. “Treasury therefore doesn’t accept both the size of the cost pressure and any potential job impacts that would be of that size.

“Cabinet would still have to make a decision on the basis of whatever the agreed numbers are and decide what additional funding cabinet and the budget might provide, then they can make a judgment as to what, if any, impact there might be to course or services or jobs.”

Mr Coltman was contacted for comment.