Workers at TasTAFE are calling on Dean Winter and Jeremy Rockliff to match the Greens’ proposed $30 million capital investment into a new state of the art TasTAFE Automotive Centre of Excellence. 

The policy provides for new jobs to replace TasTAFE’s stricken Campbell Street Automotive workshop, which were shuttered following a major carbon monoxide gas leak and flooding. 

“We look to both leaders to put their money where their mouths are and back sensible policy to restore TasTAFE as a job creator for Tasmanian automotive apprentices,” said Tristan Sabol, President of the AEU’s TAFE Division. 

“This is exactly what the industry have been calling for. It’s what apprentices have been calling for. We need a facility that’s fit for purpose that will future proof our industry in Tasmania.” 

“This would be a good thing for the state, the industry and for our apprentices who haven’t had a workshop since major flooding at Campbell Street last year.” 

TasTAFE teachers and industry have been appalled by the erosion of quality training, apprentice safety at TasTAFE, leaving the future of Tasmania’s workforce in doubt. 

TasTAFE have banned teachers from directly speaking to industry and have remained tight-lipped about the future. 

“Minister Ellis and the Rockliff Liberal government have failed to support teachers and apprentices. They have shattered confidence and trust in the industry.” 

“Instead of supporting staff put out of work by flood damage to existing facilities and expediting new facilities in the south, TasTAFE sought to cancel hands-on workshop training and move key courses to Launceston, replacing practical learning with online learning.” 

“It’s a good day seeing TAFE brought back into focus.” 

Tristan Sabol

TAFE Division President

AEU Tasmania