Hi everyone,

Thanks to YOUR incredible support, we now have over 1,000 signatures on the petition to save independent RTOs — and because of this momentum, we were granted a meeting with the NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Hon. Steve Whan, and Minister for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp.

🔹 What we learned:
The Ministers confirmed there has been a widespread funding cut across NSW, and the current Smart & Skilled allocations are only part of the full release. More funds may be available later in the year.

🔹 But here’s the confusing part:
They stated that “Fee-Free TAFE” funding is accessible to all RTOs, not just TAFE NSW. If this is true, it could mean the 100,000 Fee-Free places promised in 2025 might be shared across all providers, including high-performing independent RTOs.

📩 We have now sent a formal request for clarification from the Department:

Will all RTOs actually have access to Fee-Free places?
When will the next round of funding be released?
Will high-quality providers who lost 70–80% of their Smart & Skilled allocations have an opportunity to recover those places?
👥 What’s next?
We’ll keep pushing for answers, accountability, and equity. But we need to keep building momentum.

👉 Can you help us reach 1,500 signatures?
Share this petition with your network — colleagues, employers, students, industry groups, and your local MP. Let them know this isn’t just about funding — it’s about protecting jobs, skills pipelines, and access to quality education across Australia.

📢 This campaign is growing. And with your help, we WILL be heard.

Thank you again for standing with us.

In solidarity,
Angela Connell
CEO, Vivacity
www.vivacity.com.au/save-private-rtos
#SavePrivateRTOs #VETequity #FeeFreeForAll #SupportRTOs #SkillsCrisis