WA’s TAFE system has been diminished by years of under-funding; casualisation of teaching staff, and course closures. Fees have increased a shocking 300% since 2013. TAFE education is now unaffordable or inaccessible for many Western Australians. Enrolments dropped 24.5% between 2013 and 2016. Student debt has spiralled and the increasing cost of living is a barrier to higher education and training for the next generation of students.
1724. Hon Alison Xamon to the minister representing the Minister for Corrective Services:
I refer to the Inspector of Custodial Services’ report of the 2017 Inspection of Melaleuca Remand and Reintegration Facility, and to the Inspector’s recommendations regarding the provision of certified education and vocational training courses:
(a) has Sodexo now commenced a formal arrangement with an registered training organisation to provide accredited training to prisoners at Melaleuca;
