Mr WOOD - 2009-11-25
Is it true the corporate receivers at Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education informed the staff recently that up to 80 people would be let go in very near future? Could you say why all these staff are being made redundant, and could you say what effect this will have on the delivery of programs by the college in the Alice Springs campus?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education is an important educational institution in the Northern Territory. It has been under a significant review by the administrators, KordaMentha.
A few weeks ago, the Australian government and the Northern Territory government contributed significant additional funding to Batchelor Institute to allow it to continue to operate until the report from the administrators is received by government. This is a matter currently between KordaMentha and the Australian government. The Australian government is the primary funder of Batchelor Institute. Once the full picture is clear, the Territory government will, of course, work with the institute, KordaMentha, and the Australian government to get the best outcome for Batchelor Institute, for students enrolled at Batchelor, and also the teaching staff.
I am not aware of that number, member for Nelson; it has not been relayed to me. Batchelor Institute is currently in very difficult circumstances. The Territory government and the Commonwealth have provided additional funding to maintain courses, and to maintain the salaries of lecturers and staff until such time as the administrator’s report is available, and the Australian government, the Territory government and Batchelor Institute can work out a way forward.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education is an important educational institution in the Northern Territory. It has been under a significant review by the administrators, KordaMentha.
A few weeks ago, the Australian government and the Northern Territory government contributed significant additional funding to Batchelor Institute to allow it to continue to operate until the report from the administrators is received by government. This is a matter currently between KordaMentha and the Australian government. The Australian government is the primary funder of Batchelor Institute. Once the full picture is clear, the Territory government will, of course, work with the institute, KordaMentha, and the Australian government to get the best outcome for Batchelor Institute, for students enrolled at Batchelor, and also the teaching staff.
I am not aware of that number, member for Nelson; it has not been relayed to me. Batchelor Institute is currently in very difficult circumstances. The Territory government and the Commonwealth have provided additional funding to maintain courses, and to maintain the salaries of lecturers and staff until such time as the administrator’s report is available, and the Australian government, the Territory government and Batchelor Institute can work out a way forward.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016