· $110M cut from schools and education department
· Tasmanian students are lagging behind the rest of the country
· Desperate Liberals panicking with no budget strategy
The Government's Revised Estimates Report reveals Peter Gutwein's plan to cut $110 million from Tasmanian schools and the education system.
Shadow Minister for Education Josh Willie said Tasmanian students shouldn't have to pay for the Liberals' financial mismanagement.
"Cutting $110 million from Education is the equivalent sacking over 1,300 teachers," Mr Willie said.
"This is a disgraceful and desperate decision from a Government with no budget strategy.
"Make no mistake, this will impact on student learning, and the ability of teachers and staff to perform their job."
Recent statistics showed Tasmania performing worse than any other state when it comes to education:
- Just 48% of school leavers engage in further education, training or get a job. This is the lowest in the country, well below the national average of 68%, and compares to 79% in 2014.
- Tasmanian students have the lowest reading and mathematical literacy in the country, and second lowest science literacy.
- The Year 12 attainment rate is well below the national average, at 59% (national rate is 79%). The only state lower is the NT.
"While retention rates are improving across the nation, we are lagging behind and not closing the gap fast enough. Tasmania's retention rate from Year 10 to 12 remains the lowest in the country, other than the Northern Territory."
"Peter Gutwein's savage cuts will have consequences.
"The Premier has finally conceded his cuts to health are having an unacceptable impact on sick Tasmanians. But he thinks its fine to continue to cut funding from an education system that is already struggling.
"Why should students suffer because Peter Gutwein can't manage his budget?"
Josh Willie MLC
Shadow Minister for Education
