David O'Brien is failing young people in Ballarat.
If Mr O'Brien cared about the future of Ballarat, he would be fighting against the Baillieu-Ryan Coalition's cuts to regional TAFEs not supporting them.
TAFEs deliver young country people a world-class tertiary education on their doorstep to build rewarding careers without leaving home.
They are more than just a place of learning but an integral part of the local economy, supporting businesses with skills and giving people jobs.
Labor spent 10 years rebuilding country Victoria after years of neglect. Thanks to our support, TAFE institutes and campuses are spread across Victoria.
There is a TAFE presence in 35 regional towns and cities. Now, the Baillieu-Ryan government is intent on destroying regional TAFEs by ripping out $290 million from the system.
Instead of fighting for regional TAFEs, Mr O'Brien is happy to sit idle and watch it happen.
We have already seen one campus close and unfortunately there may be more to come.
Former Liberal Party premier, Jeff Kennett, referred to regional Victoria as the state's "toenails".
It appears the Baillieu-Ryan government has reverted to form, cutting back regional services, public sector jobs and programs.
Mr O'Brien must start standing up for Ballarat instead of bowing to the Liberals in Melbourne, because regional Victoria is going backwards under Baillieu.
DANIEL ANDREWS
State Opposition Leader
