The Rise and Fall of an Australian Technical College Program

Abstract

In 2005 the Liberal government introduced a bill to allow formation of twenty four technical colleges nationally. Withdrawal of funding by the Labor government in 2009 heralded the demise of the colleges. This study is concerned with the effect this action had on a college in Western Australia. The findings revealed lack of foresight and insufficient initial time for establishment of the colleges, no bi-partisan support and questionable management practices after funding withdrawal.