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Get the facts: incorrect reporting of job cuts
Friday, 20 July 2012
You may have noticed recent media reports claiming there will be more than 100 job cuts at Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE (SQIT).
This information is incorrect.
The Department of Education, Training and Employment was asked by one media outlet to respond to claims of planned job cuts at SQIT.
Despite clear responses to the contrary, this media outlet disregarded the information provided and published an incorrect story.
The Department is aware that this may have caused some concern for institute staff and is currently working to rectify this inaccuracy with relevant media.
For more information, a copy of the media statement issued by the department is provided below:
"Media statement - 18 July 2012
The following may be attributed to Trevor Schwenke, Institute Director, Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE.
Why has the government gone back on its promise that no frontline staff especially teachers will be cut under the current purge?
Any adjustments to staffing levels at the Institute is to ensure that the correct number of appropriately skilled staff are available to deliver the programs on offer.
This is part of the normal business at the Institute and is not linked to any staff reduction strategies within the broader public sector.
How many jobs will be cut at SQIT as a result of a shift in policy?
Rumoured numbers of staff cuts are incorrect.
Any potential reduction in staff numbers at Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE is part of normal business process and in line with shifting industry demands and economic climate.
No decision has been made about future staff numbers at Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE.
Will the employees be offered positions elsewhere in the system?
No decision has been made about future staff numbers at Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE.
However, capacity for officers to be transferred elsewhere within the public sector is part of normal process.
How many more job losses does the government plan to cut from learning institutions?
TAFE Institutes, in conjunction with the Department of Education, Training and Employment, regularly monitor and assess staffing numbers across Queensland.
Shifts in demand for training occur for a range of reasons including economic impacts reducing or increasing demand for skilled staff in certain industries. There can also be changes to the skills required in certain industries.
TAFE Institutes need to make adjustments to staffing to ensure they continue to meet the training needs of the Queensland economy and their local areas, as well as ensuring the effective and efficient use of government funding."