Tasmania's young people will be Labor's priority because there is nothing more important than our children.
Unfortunately Tasmanian kids are just not getting the best from an underperforming education system which is low on the Gutwein Government's list of priorities.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said Labor - like the majority of Tasmanians – had a primary focus on creating a better future for all Tasmanian children.
"We all want our kids to get off to a flying start in life and the best way we can support them to thrive is to make sure they get a good education," Ms White said.
"From early childhood and right through their education our kids deserve better than what they are receiving at the moment under the Liberal Government.
"Few Tasmanians would disagree that a key focus of government should be our children's future but the report card for the Liberal Government doesn't look good.
"You only need to look at our state's attainment rate for Year 12 which has continued to decline to 58 per cent - well below the national average of 72 per cent - to understand that fact.
"You only need to look at our Year 12 retention rate – which is the lowest of any Australian state at 73.9 per cent – to understand that.
"And the number of physical abuse incidents of students spiralled to almost 1,800 last year and alarmingly almost 6,800 students were suspended last year.
"Our young people must have a supportive, productive and worthwhile education experience but sadly over the past seven years the Liberal Government has let them down."
Shadow Education Minister Josh Willie said the profoundly disturbing rates of bullying and violence in Tasmanian schools painted a grim picture for both students and parents and teachers and other school staff.
"Tasmania's schools should be safe learning places where both students and teachers should feel supported and everyone should be given the opportunity to thrive," Mr Willie said.
"But it's clear the Gutwein Government is just not working closely with schools or providing them with greater resources and support.
"The Education Minister Sarah Courtney has not announced any measure to address violence and bullying other than a plan to rebuild some bathrooms.
"It's immensely sad that the bare minimum is being done to engage kids in school when it should be the government's priority.
"Labor knows a good education is the foundation for a good life and we urgently need to start reversing these unacceptable trends."
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
Josh Willie MLC
Shadow Minister for Education and Early Years
