No downgrade of post-secondary education in Bunbury

14/4/94

Education Minister Norman Moore said today there was no intent whatsoever to downgrade the provision of post-secondary education in Bunbury.

The Minister said the State Opposition was simply wrong in claims that any decision had been made, and mischievous in pretending that some sort of down-grading would take place.

Mr Moore said that the whole aim of the Bunbury reference group was to ensure an upgrading of the availability of TAFE and higher education courses in the South-West in close consultation with local people.

No recommendations had yet been made to the Minister by the reference group of local people currently examining the issue.

"I find the Opposition's posturing on this subject particularly confusing, given their leader Ian Taylor's wholehearted support for the university college concept in Kalgoorlie,"the Minister said.

"Whatever the outcome of the Bunbury reference group's deliberations, students will receive the same qualifications, either degrees granted by a major university or TAFE qualifications recognised nationally."

Mr Moore said he understood the reference group, chaired by Westralian Sands Managing Director Malcolm Macpherson, had decided to further evaluate the concept of a university college for Bunbury.

"The local people on the reference group have asked their technical support group - headed by Professor Gordon Stanley from the Education Policy and Coordination Bureau - to prepare a discussion paper examining the pros and cons.

"I am told it is likely this discussion paper will be circulated for public comment."

The Minister said it was unfortunate the Opposition seemed determined to misrepresent the situation and to undermine the work of the local reference group.

Media contact:  Ross Storey 321 1444 / 222 9595