THE final ‘Politics in the Pub’ youth-driven event of the year, conducted by Coffs Harbour Labor, will focus on TAFE.

State Labor Candidate Tony Judge said, “The series of forums has been well received and they are seen as providing a pathway into community participation for the next generation of progressive locals.

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“This is a key piece of the puzzle that, until now, had been missing in the Coffs Harbour region.

“I know that the change-makers of the future are looking around for a space to solidify their beliefs and clarify what they think a fair and just society looks like.

“This is our way of providing a platform to encourage them on that journey.”

Mr Judge said the December session will pivot to TAFE, after hearing last month about the state of our schools and the unsustainable working conditions of teachers.

“During twelve years of this Liberal National government, 4,500 TAFE teachers have been cut, while fourteen campuses have been closed or sold off.”

Mr Judge said the number of people finishing apprenticeships or traineeships each year has more than halved, and TAFE enrolments are down by more than 80,000 students.

“Here we find, yet again, an unsustainable neglect of our state’s assets.”

“Doing this to TAFE hits our more vulnerable community members the hardest.”

Coffs Harbour Labor Branch member Michael Kemeny-Packwood said that Ian Watson of the NSW Teachers Federation will join the forum to provide insights into the viability of TAFE.

“Together we can consider what is needed to revive this great institute,” he said.

Speaking more broadly, Mr Kemeny-Packwood said, “We will continue to build on this platform to offer a space for the next generation to engage with and will absolutely be returning in 2023.”

The event will be at 7pm on Monday, 5 December at the Plantation Hotel.

RSVP’s are not required as a space large enough to accommodate all comers has been reserved.

By Andrew VIVIAN