TAFE NSW is an Australian vocational education and training provider. Annually, the network trains over 500,000 students in campus, workplace, online, or distance education methods of education. It was established as an independent statutory body under the TAFE Commission Act 1990. The Minister for Regional Development, Skills and Small Business is responsible for TAFE NSW. TAFE NSW awards qualifications as specified in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), and accredited to the Vocational Education and training (VET). Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications awarded may be attributed as partial credit towards bachelor's degree-level studies in some universities. History TAFE NSW has existed for over 130 years aiming to upskill the workforce of New South Wales. Demand for vocational education suffered during the early years of the Depression until a decision to expand training services was made to help decrease high unemployment rates by the mid 1930s. Growth also occurred in the industry after World War I and World War II in response to the need to support Australia's war effort. It also played a part in transitioning the population back into civilian work post war. The establishment of the Technical and Further Education Commission (TAFEC) alongside Commonwealth funding was a key historic moment – Technical Education then became known as TAFE and was established as its own educational body. Local education needs were then met by the regionalisation of community colleges to allow its expansion across the state. 2012–2015: financial and attendance issues Between 2012 and 2016 attendance at TAFE NSW campuses dropped by 83,000 students. In the same period, fees had increased substantially. In a bid to curb this reduction in attendance, 2016 fees were frozen at their 2015 level. In September 2015, a leaked document revealed the State government intended to close 27 sites in order to reduce costs and raise funds. On Thursday 16 June 2016, the NSW Government announced that the EBS4 student management system for TAFE would be scrapped. NSW Skills Minister, John Barilaro has directed TAFE NSW to develop a new system in time for the 2018 peak enrolment period. The EBS4 rollout for TAFE NSW resulted in extensive major problems with enrolments, inability to track student financial data and generate testamurs, and a project budget over run of approximately $100m. Geographical areas TAFE NSW comprises 130 campuses grouped by geographic area into ten Institutes: TAFE NSW Hunter and Central Coast TAFE NSW Illawarra (including Karoona