- Decision limits the options for students and could force school closures
- Peter Gutwein must lobby the Prime Minister to overturn the decision
Peter Gutwein must stand up to his Federal Liberal counterparts and protect Tasmanian university students from paying higher fees for popular degrees like arts and law.
Shadow TAFE, University and Skills Minister, Michelle O'Byrne, said the Morrison Government was using education as a political plaything.
"Universities are already underfunded and increasing fees for selected degrees will significantly limit the options for students, not to mention ruin the dreams of many who simply won't be able to afford to study their chosen path," Ms O'Byrne said.
"This short-sighted decision has flow on effects and could result in the closure of some already underfunded academic courses and schools dedicated to increasing skills in the arts.
"I would also question how this fits with the plan to move UTAS into the city. We know the motivation behind this move is to increase student numbers and education outcomes but the Federal Government's decision may now very well impact on student enrolments at these sites.
"While I understand the need to attract more students to high-priority sectors, there are much better ways to do this than increasing fees to selected degrees.
"If cost is a barrier, then we should be focusing on making university more affordable overall instead of choosing some pathways over others.
"Perhaps the Prime Minister may get some tips from Labor's Free Tafe policy which aims to get more Tasmanians into sectors that are experiencing skills shortages like building, construction and hospitality.
"I'm calling on Peter Gutwein to lobby the Prime Minister to have this fee hike overturned as a matter of urgency and stop undermining our education system."
Michelle O'Byrne MP
Shadow TAFE, University and Skills Minister
