'The Moral Economy' is in the news with Bernie Sanders' visit to Rome and engagement with the Pope in relation to the moral economy. Here's a link to Sanders' 'Prepared Remarks: The Urgency of a Moral Economy: Reflections on the 25th Anniversary of Centesimus Annus' released just a few hours ago (15th April US time).
Working in the TAFE sector from 2000 to the end of 2012 I witnessed significant changes in the private/public funding balance and watched as it seemed different 'designs' were tried to increase private sector involvement in vocational education.
In my last year I watched as my Diploma of Community Welfare students were given the option of taking up VET Fee Help loans. As fees had increased substantially, this became attractive to students, many of whom were single parents and/or on disability or other pensions. My understanding is that the spread of VET Fee Help courses increased after I left. There have been stories of rorts by 'cowboy' training providers over the past decade and of the efforts made through accreditation and audit policies and procedures to ensure standards. I read an article today by Paddy Manning 'I'm not a cowboy': Phoenix Institute investor maintains private college did nothing wrong which somehow, through the use of a case study, cuts through the obfuscating jargon filled discussion to highlight that this is a question about education and the public good and the role of markets in the provision of education. The Background Briefing program on Sunday which this article precedes is definitely on my listening agenda! I'm always interested when participants in our literary and artistic communities feel moved to respond publicly to policy decisions impacting on the public/private balance in the cultural economy and perceptions of the public good.
Alan Bennett, writer of Lady in the Van; the History Boys and more, has written an extended and passionate reflection on the value of public libraries and his concerns that they are likely to become victims of budget cuts in the United Kingdom. The link to his excellent article 'Baffled at a Bookcase', published in the London review of books last week, is http://www.lrb.co.uk/v33/n15/alan-bennett/baffled-at-a-bookcase?utm_source=recap&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20160305+recap&utm_content=ukrw_nonsubs&hq_e=el&hq_m=4213401&hq_l=16&hq_v=1644ef33b3 This morning's 'Off Tracks' program on ABC RN was thought provoking in considering one of the pillars of mixed market capitalist economies in which some land is considered a public good owned and managed by the state. This is being contested in the case of development within The Three Capes national park in Tasmania. The program considered the case of national parkland and is well worth listening to. Listen to or download the program. The program's web page 'Are national parks our future or our past?" contains additional resources. (The short video below is a trailer for the radio program). |
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This blog reflects issues and events which interest me, the sources which help in my continuing quest for 'lifelong learning' about economic and social issues and education.
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January 2020
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