2015-10-22
The Australian Greens call on Department of Education to track VET FEE-HELP funding to for-profit RTOs over concerns that profit margins and brokerage fees are being put ahead of student outcomes.
The Department of Education revealed to Greens spokesperson for Higher Education, Robert Simms, in estimates yesterday that the Department isn't monitoring how public money is being spent.
"I am deeply concerned about the lack of oversight over the public money being poured into for-profit VET providers," Senator Simms said.
"What is most worrying is that the Department of Education has no idea how much tax-payer money is going toward brokerage fees and profit margins. This is an enormous problem in a sector that is rapidly expanding and is poorly regulated.
"From the years 2013 to 2014 VET FEE-HELP nearly tripled to $1.8 billion and is expected to continue rising rapidly. The Australian people have a right to know exactly how this money is being spent.
"We don't want it to go into the back pockets of brokers or for-profit colleges at the expense of students."
Here is video footage of Robert questioning the Department.
Media contact: Cambell Klose 0417 173 508