Question Without Notice No. 43 asked in the Legislative Council on 17 May 2017 by Hon Jim Chown
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
43. Hon JIM CHOWN to the Minister for Education and Training:
I refer to the comments made on the Premier's website dated 20 February 2017, in which he stated —
''Colin Barnett and Liza Harvey's increases to TAFE fees have decimated the sector and have put TAFE out of reach for many Western Australians, adding to WA's jobs crisis.
''This was just another arrogant and out of touch decision by Colin Barnett and Liza Harvey. They just don't get it—something needs to be done.
(1) In light of the Premier's scathing comments, will the government overturn those increases by implementing a reduction in TAFE fees?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
Hon SUE ELLERY replied:
I am going to start awarding a question of the day because I so love this question. I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. I am pleased to deliver this answer.
(1)–(2) The previous Liberal government wrecked the state's finances and the financial situation it created means we are unable to reverse the fee increases.
Several members interjected.
The PRESIDENT: Order, members! Hansard has to be able to hear the answer to record it.
Hon SUE ELLERY: Thank you, Mr President. I will start again.
The previous Liberal government wrecked the state's finances and the financial situation it created means we are unable to reverse the fee increases. Instead, we have frozen TAFE fees for the term of government to give students and families certainty so that they know how much they will be paying. Our announcement is affordable and we have shown how we will pay for it.