The Australian Education Union has raised concerns about a possible merger between GippsTAFE and the Chisholm Institute of TAFE, warning the move could put the institute out of touch with Gippsland’s economy.
On Monday The Express reported GippsTAFE had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chisholm Institute of TAFE to undertake a “very robust and extensive review of options” in forming a joint business model.
While GippsTAFE chair John Mitchell avoided use of the word ‘merger’, he said all options would be explored through the review process.
AEU state vice president Greg Barclay said a merger would betray the fundamental values of regional TAFEs’ connections as extensions of their local communities.
“We’re actually not terribly surprised by this news, as we have been predicting that mergers are well and truly still on table,” Mr Barclay said.
“This is a result of government directly appointing chairs who are sympathetic to mergers, who may in future approach the government for the permission to merge.
“We certainly sympathise with regional institutes; the ramifications of those budget cuts are still unfolding, and their hand has been forced on this – their ability to keep their doors open and their lights on is becoming more and more compromised as the weeks go on.”
In a letter sent to GippsTAFE staff on Monday, chief executive Peter Whitley and chair John Mitchell said the board and its executive were “absolutely committed” to improving the institute’s educational offerings.
“We fully understand concerns of staff having regard to the significant changes made to the TAFE funding environment which occurred last year,” the letter stated.
“If we can achieve this, we will actually improve opportunities for staff employment and professional development.”
