The Member for Macquarie Fields, Anoulack Chanthivong MP, has condemned the disastrous changes being made to TAFE by the Baird Liberal Government, and pointed to a rise in youth unemployment figures as further evidence that the cuts are selling our young people nothing more than a bleak future.

“Cuts to TAFE and increases in youth unemployment are all making it harder for young people to get ahead in life, or even get a foot on the ladder,” Mr Chanthivong said.

“Young people are the future of this State and they deserve better. The Baird Liberal Government is robbing young people of their hopes and aspirations, and making it harder for them to get ahead in life.”

Mr Chanthivong said the latest ABS youth unemployment figures further highlighted the problem.

“Since the Baird Liberal Government took office in 2011, there are 1832 more unemployed young people in south west Sydney – almost double the amount since Labor left office.

“Today, there are 3776 young people out of work in southwestern Sydney, one of Sydney’s fastest growing areas. The closure of TAFE campuses, the reduction of courses and the rise in fees is exacerbating the problem as it leaves young people with fewer avenues to gain skills,” Mr Chanthivong said.

“When a young person can’t gain employment or access further training over an extended period of time, it can impact their well-being and lead to other social issues such as homelessness. We must save what’s left of TAFE before it’s too late and ensure our young people can look forward to a brighter future.”

An ABS report released last week revealed funding for TAFE is at a five year low under the Baird Liberal Government, with spending on technical and further education falling $182 million between 2013-14 and 2014-15. In addition, a recent national study of more than 400 people found youth homelessness is costing the health and justice systems more than $600 million a year.