Education Minister Sarah Courtney should release the Department of Education audit showing what measures should be taken – and when they will be taken – to improve COVID safety in Tasmanian schools.
Shadow Education Minister Josh Willie said while Ms Courtney claimed the department had undertaken the audit there was little evidence of what the Gutwein Liberal Government would do to ensure safety in classrooms for students and staff once Tasmania’s borders open on December 15.
“Ms Courtney has outlined what she says is a plan to get Tasmanians schools ready for a potential outbreak of COVID-19,” Mr Willie said.
“But what she has failed to do is actually outline any specific funding commitment for vital measures like ventilation upgrades or a commitment to supply air purifiers or any confirmation of significant upgrades to school infrastructure.
“In fact she has done little more than announce a two-month inspection to see if windows open, or as she says, “operate as they are intended.”
“Proper ventilation and air purifiers reduce the risk of COVID spreading in schools – that’s why other states have been quick to install purifiers and fix ventilation issues.
“Parents, students, teachers and other staff want to know what is actually being done to address the possibility of a COVID outbreak once Tasmania’s borders are reopened.
“What they have been told is that the government has a plan without detail, despite Ms Courtney having 18 months to get this work done.
“With the Premier saying that the delta COVID variant will arrive in Tasmania, safety and preparedness in our state schools will be critical – we do not want any further disruptions to learning because the government isn’t prepared.
“The government found more than $377,000 from Public Buildings Maintenance Fund-a fund designed as a stimulus during COVID-19-under Emergency Procurement Measures to install new air-conditioning in Ms Courtney’s Launceston office last year.
“But to date, there have been no significant upgrades to address the real potential emergency of a COVID outbreak in Tasmanian schools.”
Josh Willie MLC
Shadow Minister for Education
