Ballarat protests TAFE cuts

VICTORIA'S Higher Education Minister Peter Hall will discuss University of Ballarat TAFE cuts during a meeting with vice- chancellor David Battersby today.

Protesters opposed to the cuts have said they will attempt to give Mr Hall a rowdy welcome as they rally staff, students and community members affected by the cuts for a community forum on July 8.

Professor Battersby used a breakfast last month to question senior government ministers about the $300 million cuts, which are expected to lead to a 40 per cent reduction in local funding.

As a result, the University of Ballarat has forecast staff redundancies and a 30 to 40 per cent reduction in programs.

National Tertiary Education Union Ballarat branch president Dr Jeremy Smith said next month's community meeting at Ballarat Trades Hall in Camp Street would allow for a community dialogue about the TAFE sector's future.

"The flavour of this campaign is one of a community reaction against this government's budget and the cuts to public education.

"We want to continue that so we're taking this initiative to keep the momentum going," he said.

Dr Smith challenged Mr Hall to meet with staff and students affected by the cuts while in Ballarat today.

"This is the nature of this government.

"It's aloof, it's not connected to regional communities and meeting with concerned citizens is not something high on their agenda."

Promotional materials for the meeting call for a 'monster meeting' as 'education is anathema to conservatism'.

Yesterday, Bendigo TAFE announced 27 staff would be made redundant as a result of the cuts, with a further 70 expected before 2013.

Greens city council candidate Belinda Coates said many in the community were disappointed with the impact the cuts would have in regional Victoria.

"They'd have to be deaf if they weren't getting the message," she said.

"It's pretty loud and clear there is widespread dissatisfaction in Ballarat and across regional communities."