TAFE cuts: Council to push for lifeline

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GREATER Dandenong Council will lobby the state government against cuts to Chisholm Institute of TAFE, which has a major campus in Dandenong.

Following a motion passed by councillors last Monday, the council will write to Premier Ted Baillieu, Higher Education and Skills Minister Peter Hall and local MPs to stress the institute’s “vital role” in developing skills and educational opportunities to reduce unemployment.

The council expressed concern that the cuts would result in higher student fees, acting as a “barrier to entry” for Greater Dandenong residents.

The Dandenong campus has almost 12,000 students – with 72 per cent of their contact hours funded by the government.

The council also noted the threat to Chisholm’s libraries, specialist equipment and technology levels and building maintenance.

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