National TAFE Day in Canberra
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 129 No 8, 1 November 2024, page no. 19
Lobbying in Canberra on National TAFE Day was incredibly beneficial for me, and hopefully for my colleagues I represented. It provided a unique platform for me to directly engage with key policymakers and decision-makers, including the honourable Andrew Giles, and senators Mehreen Faruqi and Fatima Paymen.
This opportunity allowed me to present firsthand the challenges and successes of TAFE institutions, emphasising the critical role they play in vocational education and workforce development. Through the strength of every state’s personal story and concrete examples, together we could make a compelling case for increased support and funding.
The experience also enabled me to network with other advocates and stakeholders, fostering collaborations that can drive future initiatives.
Additionally, being in the nation’s capital gave me a sense of empowerment and responsibility, knowing that my voice could influence policies that impact upon thousands of students and educators across the country.
Overall, lobbying in Canberra was a powerful way to showcase the importance of TAFE in this nation while been able to advocate for the needs of TAFE institutions and contribute to shaping a more robust and responsive education system.
When all governments back Australia’s TAFE teachers and students by investing in rebuilding with TAFE, only then will a future made in Australia be realised.