Council Minutes - Section E: Notices of Motion - 10 July 2013

Contents | Previous Page: Section D - Assembly of Councillors | Next Page: Section F - Urgent Business

Notices of Motion tabled at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Date which was held at City Hall in Little Malop Street, Geelong.

 

Notice of Motion – Cr John Mitchell, Mayor

Cuts to Funding at the Gordon TAFE

Background

The Victorian State Government recently announced funding cuts to public and private training organisations. The funding changes were targeted at reducing the hourly payment received by training organisations. The TAFE sector also had specific payments made to them as a public TAFE provider removed.

TAFE organisations estimate that the impact of the funding changes could result in a 25% decrease in funding received from the State Government to support their operations. The Gordon TAFE in Geelong estimates the impact of the funding cuts will see a $14.6M pa reduction in funding for the Gordon. As a consequence the Gordon has foreshadowed potential staff and course reductions. Course funding has been reduced in areas including lower level certificates below Certificate III in business, finance, events management, recreation and fitness. Transition plans in regards to the funding changes are being prepared by the TAFE providers to outline their responses and actions to manage the change.

The State Government maintain that there has been significant growth in recent years of private providers beyond the TAFE system with over 500 providers offering government funding across the State with an expansion in enrolments of 44% over recent years.

Provision of a diverse range of training programs through TAFE and other training providers is seen as a key contributor to Geelong’s economic and social wellbeing. Access to TAFE courses is important to both young people who plan to enter the workforce as well as mature age students wishing to up-skill or re-skill for new job options. The Gordon TAFE provides for over 19,000 students each year and has 800 staff.

The Chief Executive Officer declared an Indirect Interest by a Conflicting Duty and left the room as soon as he became aware that he had a Conflict of Interest in the Notice of Motion. The CEO left the meeting at 8:20pm.

Cr Fisher declared an Indirect Interest by Close Association and left the room as soon as she became aware that she had a Conflict of Interest in the Notice of Motion.

Cr Fisher left the meeting room at 8:20pm.


Cr Mitchell moved, Cr Granger seconded -

That Council:

  1. endorse the convening of a public meeting to be held on 8 August 2012 at the Geelong West Town Hall to discuss the cuts to funding at the Gordon TAFE, and

  2. formally invite the relevant Minister, local members of State Parliament and CEO of the Gordon TAFE.

Carried Unanimously.


The Chief Executive Officer and Cr Fisher re-entered the meeting room at 8:35pm


[Back to List]

Notice of Motion – Cr C Granger

Re: Petition for more Police in the Northern Precinct of Geelong

At its meeting on 26 June 2012, Council received a petition from concerned residents of Lara. The petition is calling for an increase in Police numbers in Lara and an extended presence in the Lara township. The petition of 1,300 signatures, highlights the concerns of Lara residents about the lack of adequate police numbers. Policing is not the direct responsibility of Council, but Council can take an active role in advocating on behalf of local residents on State Government matters.

Cr Granger moved, Cr Richards seconded -

That Council write to John Eren MP, Member for Lara, on behalf of the residents of Lara, requesting that he table in Parliament, the 1,300 signature petition from residents of Lara calling for an increase in police numbers and an extended presence in the Lara township.


Carried.


[Back to List]

Contents | Previous Page: Section D - Assembly of Councillors | Next Page: Section F - Urgent Business


[Back to List]
City of Greater Geelong