Greens hit back at government’s claims of no forced redundancies
The Skills and Training Minister has been accused of “totally bullsh*tting” after revelations TasTAFE was considering forced redundancies for teachers in the state’s south.
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The state’s minister for Skills and Training has been accused of “totally bullsh*tting” after revelations TasTAFE was considering forced redundancies for teachers in the state’s south.
During 2021 debate on the bill to make TasTAFE a government business, the then Minister for Skills, Training and Workforce Growth Sarah Courtney said: “We are committed that no existing TasTAFE employee will be worse off and there will be no forced redundancies”.
TasTAFE has decided to eliminate three light vehicle teaching positions and two auto electrical teaching positions after flooding at its Campbell Street campus.
In a letter dated March 19 this year, TasTAFE’s Michelle Saward said forced redundancies were on the cards.
“In the event voluntary redundancies do not sufficiently address the proposed changes to roles, at least two remaining roles would no longer be needed to meet operational requirements as part of the proposed restructure.
AEU Tasmania President David Genford said forced redundancies were at odds with his previous understanding.
“TasTAFE have been forced to admit that their job cuts have nothing to do with flooding at Campbell Street,” he said.
“The reality is that they’re slashing teaching positions to save money with a shift to online training instead of investing in skilled educators.
“Teachers, apprentices, and industry leaders are deeply concerned about the future quality of training, but TasTAFE refuses to listen.
“These cuts are devastating – not just for teachers losing their jobs, but for apprentices who rely on their mentorship.
Minister for Skills and Training Felix Ellis has previously rejected questions in parliament suggesting he had directed TasTAFE to cut staff numbers.
“The government continues to work with TasTAFE and industry on solutions for automotive training following the closure of the Campbell St workshop,” he said.
“Discussions between TasTAFE and the automotive team are continuing as a process is worked through, with some voluntary redundancies offered and taken up, and opportunities around redeployment within TasTAFE being explored as a priority.
“I will continue to work closely with TasTAFE during this time as we work to find the right outcome for staff and learners, now and into the future.”
Greens Skills and Training spokesperson Tabatha Badger told the Mercury the government’s story had changed.
“Felix Ellis recently told parliament that staff would be offered voluntary redundancies or redeployed to other roles,” she said.
“But internal TAFE documents show the Minister was totally bullsh*tting.
“The government have known for weeks that redeployment isn’t an option, and staff are now bracing to be sacked.
“Forced redundancies are outrageous and unacceptable. They must not go ahead.
“Minister Ellis needs to apologise for being misleading in parliament, correct the record, and finally step up to ensure there are no job losses.”
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Originally published as Greens hit back at government’s claims of no forced redundancies
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