Inquiry into the Role of Institutes of TAFE
Submissions

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Submission 6

Re Inquiry into the Appropriate Roles of Institutes of Technical and Further Education

Thank you for your letter of 17 September inviting the Australian Institute of Physics to make a submission to the above Inquiry. This was discussed at our Executive Committee and the following brief response is based on that discussion. We wish to make the following points:

1. As an institute the AIP has no particular view of the role and current operation of the TAFE system. As citizens we of course recognize the important contribution of TAFE in providing essential post-secondary vocational training in many areas.

2. While the boundaries between the TAFE system and Universities may, in particular instances, be blurred it is vital to recognize and maintain the essential distinctive features of the two systems.

3. We are aware that a number of Universities (from the former Institute of Technology or College of Advanced Education sector) have developed close relationships with particular Institutes of TAFE. To the extent that such relationships lead to meaningful articulation programs and/or lead to synergies or efficiencies they are supported by the AIP.

4. The nation's Universities have suffered massive funding cuts, in real terms, over recent years. It is essential that any future change in the relationship between the Universities and the TAFE sector be properly funded and not be a drain on already excessively scarce resources.

5. The report of the West Review, and the Government's response to it, have an obvious bearing on this issue and should not be preempted by this Inquiry.

I would, of course, be happy to discuss any of these matters further.

Yours sincerely

Professor Jaan Oitmaa

President

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