The Tasmanian Liberal Senate Team has today launched a petition calling on the Federal Government to support the future of the Australian Technical College, currently earmarked for closure at the end of the year.
They noted the negative effect the proposed closure of the ATC is having and called on the community to send a message to the Federal Government by signing the petition.
“The Australian Technical College is a multi award winning training facility that has an excellent reputation. The Federal Government, over several years, has invested over $26 million on the establishment and operation of the ATC in Tasmania, including $14 million on the building of the Launceston and Burnie facilities,” they said.
“Students and parents are disappointed and angry at the planned closure of the ATC. Dozens of apprentices in the North and North West face the axe as of 31 December following the Federal Government’s decision to break an election promise and close the Australian Technical College in Tasmania. 35 jobs will also be axed from 31 December.
“The ATC has been successful in qualifying students in a wide range of areas. Apprentices in building and construction, engineering and metals, electro-technology, commercial cookery, automotive, information technology, and business are now at risk. These positions fulfil a vital role in tackling skill shortages.
“The Rudd Government made a commitment in the lead up to the 2007 election not to close any existing Australian Technical Colleges, but it appears this will be another broken promise.
“We urge the community to get behind the ATC in Tasmania and to express their support by signing this petition,” they concluded.
Note: Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck will attend the ATC public meeting in Burnie tonight at 6pm and Liberal Senator Guy Barnett will attend the ATC public meeting in Launceston on Thursday at 6pm.