Deb Frecklington and Jarrod Bleijie must explain which schools and which communities will wear the impacts of the LNP’s latest cuts.
Education Minister Grace Grace said for the past four years, the Palaszczuk Government had employed 1000 teachers each year.
The policy announced today by Deb Frecklington would see 650 fewer teachers over four years under the LNP, the Minister said.
“That’s a cut to teachers that will impact schools and communities across Queensland because it’s the only the LNP can pay for their $24 billion in unfunded election commitments,” the Minister said.
“We know the LNP cut 500 teacher positions when Deb Frecklington was Campbell Newman’s assistant minister.
“And they closed schools and tried to sell Fortitude Valley State School to the highest bidder.
“Which schools will wear these cuts?
“Under the LNP – there would be classrooms full of students without a teacher at the front.
“Queensland schools, parents and students deserve better.”
Ms Grace said the LNP’s cuts to teachers and teacher aides were in direct contrast to the Palaszczuk Government’s ongoing commitment to education.
“We know enrolments are going to continue to grow by at least 8000 students every year until 2026,” she said.
“That’s why we employed 6000 new teachers and more than 1500 teacher aides since 2015.
“That includes more than 3000 new teachers over the past three years.
“But we need to do more to entice graduates and career changers to the profession.
“Which is why we launched a campaign earlier this month for those people to consider a career in teaching.
“Because under the Palaszczuk Government, there has never been a better time to teach in Queensland.
“Queensland has been managing the health response and that means we’re already delivering Queensland’s plan for economic recovery.
“Now is not the time to risk the LNP’s cuts.”
