The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) strongly condemns plans by TasTAFE to scrap creative and media courses and sack the highly skilled staff who run them, following news of funding cuts.
If the plan goes ahead, Tasmanians will lose the ability to study visual arts, design, music, screen and media, fashion and textiles - among other courses - through TAFE, wiping out an essential pathway into the creative industries.
MEAA Deputy Chief Executive Adam Portelli said the decision would devastate access to education, particularly for low-income students who depended on subsidies.
"TAFE has long been a cornerstone of Tasmania's training system, giving people from all backgrounds the chance to build skills, find meaningful work, and contribute to their communities," Mr Portelli said.
"Removing these courses effectively locks out the next generation of Tasmanian artists, designers, filmmakers, musicians, and other creatives from pursuing their chosen careers."
"The creative and media industries are not optional extras. They are vital to Tasmania's culture, economy, identity, and community pride."
"Cutting these programs will have long-term ripple effects that reach far beyond the classroom."
"The Government's economic and community focus needs to go beyond football stadiums."
Members of the Australian Education Union will be protesting the cuts by rallying outside the Government Executive Building, Hobart, on October 16.
MEAA stands in full solidarity with AEU members, TasTAFE staff and students, and the broader education and arts communities in opposing these cuts.
MEAA calls on the Tasmanian Government and TasTAFE management to reverse this damaging decision and protect access to quality public education in the creative and media fields.
