The massive over-representation of Tasmanian students living with disability being suspended from school is yet another sign of an education system in crisis after nearly a decade of mismanagement by the Liberal Government.
Information obtained by Labor in the Legislative Council (attached) shows that in the 2022 school year, Tasmanian students with disabilities were the subject of 30 per cent of all suspensions.
This is despite only 12 per cent of the Tasmanian student population living with a disability.
Suspension data is an indicator of disengagement and a lack of in-class support.
Suspension of students should be a last resort. It is hard to support their social, emotional and cognitive development if they are not at school.
Access to education is a human right and all students deserve a quality education so they can reach their potential.
With the release of these statistics it's important the State Government provides an update on the KPMG review into the Educational Adjustment Disability Funding model, including the terms of reference in the interests of transparency.
We know students with disabilities need additional support, but these worryingly high suspension rates prove they are being left behind by this government.
Josh Willie MLC
Shadow Minister for Education and Early Years
