The Liberals must do more to ensure the safety of Tasmania's school children and staff if schools around the state are to remain open during the coronavirus crisis.
Shadow Education Minister Josh Willie said parents and staff remain confused, uncertain and anxious over what they should do, as basic hygiene supplies run out in some schools.
"We're in a situation where social distancing is known to be the most effective way to flatten the curve," Mr Willie said.
"Most public events are being cancelled, the Liberals are holding their Cabinet meetings via teleconference, the public has been banned from parliament's public gallery and the members of parliament are all required to sit a seat apart from one another.
"But our schools have no such luxury, with children still crammed together in classrooms, where desks can't be separated adequately to implement effective social distancing.
"Not only that, we are also hearing from school staff that fundamental hygiene measures designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 are not possible because some schools have run out of soap and hand sanitiser and school cleaners are even having trouble sourcing cleaning supplies.
"Peter Gutwein told parents and schools today that the school environment is one of the safest environments if hygiene measures and social distancing are well managed.
"However we know some Tasmanian schools are already struggling to get these basic supplies. And, for the Premier to say he is not aware of any shortage is surprising, given that the issue has been raised with his minister.
"Our children and hard-working teachers and other school staff must come first and any risk to their health or safety is unacceptable."
Josh Willie
Shadow Minister for Education
