Tasmanian Labor’s response to today’s Report on Government Services education data has confirmed that the Tasmanian Liberal Government is the only party with a positive plan to improve education outcomes for Tasmanian students.
Labor is more interested in selectively misinterpreting data than offering solutions for education in the State.
Minister for Education, Children and Youth, Roger Jaensch, said that by stark contrast, the Tasmanian Liberal Government has established clear policy, worked with stakeholders to develop evidence-based plans for improving literacy, and invested in the contemporary infrastructure across the State.
“For starters, we have increased Government school funding year on year since we were first elected in 2014,” Minister Jaensch said.
“We have recruited an additional 435 full-time equivalent (FTE) teachers and 421 FTE additional teaching assistants, including education support specialists and administration staff, as well as 100 FTE professional support staff and 58 FTE school nurses.
“When it comes to early childhood education and care, we have funded two years of play-based learning for students before they start school in Year 1.
“We have commenced the roll out of structured literacy in Kindergarten to Year 2, and the Year 1 Phonics Check in all schools.
“Even more children have the opportunity to access quality early childhood education through the Working Together program.
“Students in our high schools can now stay on to finish Years 11 and 12 at the school of their choice after we extended senior school to all high schools.
“We are providing students with choice by delivering more subjects and VET courses across more schools and colleges.”
Minister Jaensch said these initiatives were among the many in the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s long-term plan to do what matters for all Tasmanians, which was necessary after Labor’s lack of planning and investment in the futures of young people.
“Where are Labor’s policies for school education?” Minister Jaensch said.
“Labor blindly claims preschool funding has reduced, but hasn’t bothered to note that preschool student numbers have decreased by 1000.
“They claim the number of 0-5 year olds accessing childcare is low compared to the national average but, unlike other states, our four year olds are enrolled in kindergarten which government schools provide for free.
“Again, Labor has misrepresented the facts to scare Tasmanian families rather than producing their own, costed plans.”
