Denis Napthine does himself no credit and his constituents no service by failing to address the issues and concerns raised by Warrnambool citizens who posed a series of specific questions about cuts to South West TAFE (The Standard, September 19).
We have heard that the Coalition government has committed $1 billion over four years to vocational education and training.
We are yet to be told how this will benefit South West TAFE, local businesses and industry.
Dr Napthine should explain clearly and simply how much of this money will come to South West TAFE, and what the purpose of any funding will be.
Concerned citizens — Dr Napthine’s constituents — need this information to assess the impact of any new funds. This is particularly important in light of the fact that TAFE will lose about $300 million across the state, and South West TAFE will lose about $7 million this year alone.
Instead of denigrating the messengers (The Standard, September 29), Dr Napthine would do well to respect the input of people such as highly respected educationalist Barrie Baker and the employers who voiced concerns that are reverberating throughout the community.
Dr Napthine, it’s time to play the ball rather than the man. Answer the community’s concerns rather than question the political motivation of some of the many people who have voiced them.
Pat Varley, Merri Crescent, Warrnambool