For the first time since NAPLAN began, Tasmania will have no statewide results published, becoming the first jurisdiction ever excluded from reporting because participation was too low to produce reliable results.
That is a national embarrassment, and Education Minister Jo Palmer is responsible.
Instead of listening to teachers, negotiating in good faith, and resolving the industrial dispute with her workers, Minister Palmer tried to undermine their legitimate industrial action and employed strike-breaking labour.
As a former teacher, I know educators do not take industrial action lightly. They do it when governments refuse to listen and conditions become unacceptable.
The Liberals will not pay teachers properly. They will not keep them safe. They will not provide the working conditions, support staff, and resources they need.
Tasmanian teachers are already working under enormous pressure, while Eric Abetz cuts $228 million from the Department for Education, Children and Young People, including $192 million from In School Education.
Jo Palmer should be fighting for teachers and students. Instead, she is backing Eric Abetz’s cuts and making Tasmania a national embarrassment.
After 13 years of Liberal waste, they are cutting teachers, support, and education services to pay for it – and Tasmanian students are paying the price.
