In his monthly newsletter, Mr Ramsey attacked Education Minister Julia Gillard’s department for giving the Port Pirie

campus $75,000 to upgrade a shed when the campus will shut next year. “Everyone welcomes judicious investment in education, but wastage, duplication and ripping off the taxpayer should be exposed at every point,” he said.

“Large sums for schools with uncertain futures and for schools set to close at the end of the year, including our technical college, demonstrate wastefulness.” Mr Ramsey said he had received a “steady stream” of contacts from angry parents and employers about the closure.

“They cannot believe that while the government talks about a skills training agenda, it is closing this success story,” he said.

“This college was particularly good at encouraging students who had withdrawn or were at risk of dropping out of the mainstream system.”

“Sadly its loss is a victory for politics over good sense.”

A petition to stop the closure of the college can be signed at Mr Ramsey’s office and in shops.