The Senate today voted to support the ongoing operation of the Australian Technical College Northern Tasmanian. The motion (see attached) was put forward by Liberal Senators Guy Barnett, Richard Colbeck and Stephen Parry, and was passed without amendment.
The motion noted the outstanding performance of the ATC and its staff and students over the first 3 years of its operation, and called on the Federal Government to support its ongoing operation.
Greens Senator Christine Milne moved an amendment that the ATCNT be absorbed into the State education system, thus supporting Premier David Bartlett's attempts to absorb the ATCNT into his calamitous 'Tasmania Tomorrow' reform program.
But the amendment was overwhelmingly rejected by the Senate.
The motion as moved by Senators Barnett, Colbeck and Parry was then passed on the voices and no formal division was required.
The passing of the Senate motion in support of the ATCNT comes after Senator Barnett tabled 4,685 petitions in the Senate yesterday and spokes passionately in support of the College, which has over 270 students and 35 staff at campuses in Launceston and Burnie.
"Today's vote by the Senate is testament to people power and the overwhelming community support for the ATCNT.
"But what is the position of Tasmania's Federal Labor Members and Senators regarding the motion?
"It is almost contemptuous that some Labor members of parliament would now claim to have 'worked behind the scenes' to 'save' the ATC.
"Where were they at the public meetings held in the Launceston and Burnie recently?
"They were too embarrassed to raise their heads and only people power and a disastrous poll result for David Bartlett have forced them into a back flip.
"For the Premier to offer $900,000 from the State government to assist the college is absolute nonsense. It is not his money to give. These funds have already been allocated to the College by the Federal Government under a funding agreement with the Catholic Education Office.
"Even Mr Sidebottom in his statement today has said "..it was worth noting that almost $1m in Commonwealth funding would be allocated to the transition to the new model."
Premier Bartlett should apologise for misleading the Tasmanian parliament and the public, yet again.
Senator Barnett said he reserved judgment on the Premier’s plans.
"The devil is in the detail. Exactly what will happen to the staff, students and businesses effected, not only in 2010 but further into the future?"Senator Barnett asked.