The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called on RMIT University to honour its commitment to students who have already commenced nursing studies at the Sale campus of East Gippsland Institute of TAFE.
Mr Chester said he was disappointed by RMIT’s decision to no longer accept new nursing students at Sale from 2010.
“It is frustrating that RMIT may not allow current students to complete their studies at Sale,” Mr Chester said.
“This is a breach of trust between the student and the university.
“I have been approached by students who are angry and frustrated because it is not possible for them to travel to Churchill daily; or to transfer to Bundoora.
“Many of these students have children or work part-time and these commitments will not allow them to travel to Churchill to complete their studies.
“These students have embarked on their degree in good faith and have made their own sacrifices to achieve their dream of becoming a nurse. Now the rules have changed mid-way through.
“I urge RMIT to re-think its decisions to allow those students who have already commenced their studies at Sale to complete their degree at Sale.”
Mr Chester said he had taken up the matter with the Federal Ministers for Health and Education.
“Looking to the longer term, I am extremely concerned about the opportunities which are being taken away for future nursing students,” Mr Chester said.
“Many students simply cannot afford the cost of relocating to attend university and it is important that students from Sale and East Gippsland can access training in their local community to achieve their potential.”
Media contact: Chris Daffey (03) 5144 6744
