Psychological injury claims surge as Liberals cut $228 million from DECYP
Right to Information figures reveal a workforce already at breaking point as Eric Abetz pushes ahead with $228 million in cuts to the Department for Education, Children and Young People.
Figures reveal workers compensation claims for psychological injuries increased by 26 per cent, rising from 139 in 2023/24 to 175 in 2025/26.
Over the same period, physical injury claims remained alarmingly high, driving a 10 per cent increase in new workers compensation claims, from 572 to 629.
In the three years to 30 June 2026, DECYP have recorded a total of 1809 new workers compensation claims, costing over $30 million so far.
These figures reveal the human cost of years of mounting pressure on the people who educate, support, and protect Tasmania’s children and young people.
Not only is Abetz cutting resources, he indicated in his Budget speech he’s coming after entitlements as well, despite the pressure workers are under.
As a former teacher, I know the ecosystem of support our schools and services depend on, and they cannot be expected to keep absorbing more pressure while resources are cut.
Instead of backing the workforce with the support it desperately needs, Minister Palmer has chosen to back Eric Abetz’s $228 million in cuts.
Premier Rockliff has put Eric Abetz in charge of cutting the very jobs and services that give Tasmanian children and young people the best chance to thrive.
After 13 years of Liberal waste, Tasmania’s next generation and the people who educate, support, and protect them are being forced to pay the price.
