Page 4982 - Week 16 - Tuesday, 26 November 1991
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Department of Education and the Arts
Proposed expenditure - Division 210 - Technical and Further Education, $40,408,500
MRS NOLAN (11.07): There are a couple of points that I think I should make in relation to Division 210, technical and further education. I think it is always important that those people who wish to take TAFE related services are able to do so. It is unfortunate that to date, and especially over the last year or two, quite a number of people have been turned away from those services.
The other point that I think is important is in relation to the provision of TAFE services in the outer areas of Canberra - in particular, the area of Tuggeranong, and no doubt there will be similar problems further down the track in relation to Gungahlin in the future.
We currently have a situation where it is very difficult for many in the Tuggeranong Valley to access a learning centre of any description. The difficulty we face in Canberra is that the learning institutions are all on the north side of Canberra, with the exception of the TAFE at Woden. In particular, it is often very difficult for a woman, married with two children, to be able to access that facility. By the time she copes with young children, it is just not possible for her to get to TAFE. Very often the class times are such that she is unable to access that facility at all.
I think it is very important that particularly those people who want to re-enter the work force have learning facilities available to them at closer range. I would be urging that the Government give consideration to additional support for what Betty Dawson is already trying to do down in the Tuggeranong Valley. I have to commend Betty for the work that she is doing. It is very difficult when you are using a facility that is used for childminding to actually access it as a learning centre. When the Tuggeranong community building is open that might be the appropriate place to have a room where that could happen.
Mr Jensen: It will be a bit tight, Robyn.
MRS NOLAN: I know that it will be tight, unfortunately; but it is very important that a building be available where learning can continue. I urge that that be taken on board.
MR JENSEN (11.10): I would like to take this opportunity to make some comments about the TAFE program, particularly the TAFE outreach program that has been operating from Narrabundah. I understand that there is some suggestion that that program is about to close. Mr Wood may be able to confirm that. I understand that it may well be moving to Woden.
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