eNews - 18 May 2023 (TAFE)

Rebuild with TAFE welcomes funding

Last week the federal Labor Government announced their budget for 2023-24, including some huge commitments for Australia's TAFE institutions.

Most importantly, $3.7 billion has been put aside for the next National Skills Agreement - a life-changing document that sets up the framework for a strong and vibrant TAFE system for the future.

A pledge of this magnitude reinforces the Government's commitment to ensuring TAFE is at the heart of vocational education, and that it’s supported by long-term, sustainable and stable funding.

In addition, the budget included $414.1 million for 300,000 TAFE places to be made fee-free from January 2024. This commitment means that more students will be able to access TAFE courses, and staffing shortages in key sectors can start to be addressed.

However, there is more work needed to secure funds for capital works at TAFE campuses and to invest in the TAFE teaching workforce, in order to support the hundreds of thousands of new students accessing the growing vocational education system.

Send this link to your family, friends or colleagues and encourage them to support Rebuild with TAFE's campaign.

The Australian Education Union (AEU) has also welcomed the Federal Government’s investment into critical skills education.

Election of State Council delegates

The declaration of results for contested offices for election E2022/141 (initial election of SSTUWA State Council/AEU WA Branch Council delegates) is now available here.

State Council Conference agenda and financial statements

The June 2023 SSTUWA State Council Conference/AEU WA Branch Council agenda is now available on our website (login required).

SSTUWA and AEU WA Branch financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 are available via the links below.

• SSTUWA financial statements
• AEU WA Branch financial statements

State budget training claims

The McGowan government has announced new funding for training and workforce development.

Read Hon Simone McGurk's full media statement here >>

AEU national TAFE photography competition 2023

The Australian Education Union (AEU) is holding a national photography competition for TAFE students to show what life on campus is like in 2023.

Encourage your students to send the AEU their best picture (or pictures) that depict life at TAFE in 2023 and be part of telling a powerful visual story about the life-changing role of Australia’s world-class TAFE system.

Whether it is the world-class facilities, the student diversity or the expert hands-on training, natural snaps or fully staged shots, entrants have the creative freedom to impress us with their vision. Judges will be looking for outstanding photographs that are well-crafted and portray the vibrancy of life at TAFE in 2023.

Prizes to be won:

• Each state-based winner will win $1,000 and a trip to Canberra where their work will be displayed in an exhibition.
• The overall winner will win $5,000 and publication in the TAFE Teacher magazine.

Entries close on Friday 9 June 2023.

Distribute this link to your students >>

Public Education Day

Next Friday 26 May is Public Education Day.

Public Education Day is a moment to recognise the central role that public schools, preschools and TAFEs play in supporting the social, economic and cultural fabric of our society.

Free, public and secular education is quintessential to a radiant, socially cohesive, multicultural and democratic Australia. Public education is a public good, one which contributes a shared support to society as well as to individuals.

It brings together students from a range of diverse backgrounds. Public education also creates a unified community by transforming lives and supplying young people with skills, knowledge and great attitudes.

Public education builds equity, hope and opportunity for every child.

If you're celebrating Public Education Day at your workplace next Friday make sure to join in on social media by using the hashtag #ProudToBePublicWA.

More information >>

May Day festival and march 2023

On Sunday 30 April at Fremantle Esplanade, UnionsWA held their annual May Day celebration, including a festival and march.

Many unionists showed their commitment to supporting the Yes campaign in the upcoming Voice to Parliament Referendum.

SSTUWA staff and members marched in solidarity with WA unions holding the SSTUWA banner.

Owen Whittle, UnionsWA Secretary said the Voice to Parliament “is a natural continuation of trade union values, which aim to improve peoples’ lives.”

“Just as a collective voice in workplaces is necessary for fair pay and safety, a constitutional Voice will give First Nations Australians the ability to be heard by decision makers, which is necessary for solutions on jobs, health and education,” he added.

For more information on the Fremantle 2023 May Day celebration click here.

National Reconciliation Week: 27 May - 3 June

National Reconciliation Week is held between 27 May to 3 June.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023 is Be a Voice for Generations.

The theme encourages all Australians to use their power, their words and their vote to create a better, more just Australia for all of us.

National Reconciliation Week aims to create a more united Australia that respects and takes pride in 65,000 years of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, stories and achievements.

Join National Reconciliation Week 2023 on social media by using the following hashtag #NRW2023.

More information >>