www.tas.greens.org.au
The Tasmanian Greens today called for a plebiscite to be conducted of all Elizabeth college teachers and support staff over the campus joining the Tasmania Tomorrow reforms, as a mechanism to take the heat out of the escalating crisis as AEU members threaten strike action.
Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that the crisis engulfing the Post Year 10 reforms was of David Bartlett’s own making as he has never listened to teachers’ concerns who are trying to implement the changes at the coal-face, and that the Premier’s belligerent threat to Elizabeth College is another example of his refusal to engage and listen.
“The Greens are proposing that to take the heat out of the escalating confrontation between the Premier and Elizabeth College that a plebiscite is held of all teachers and support staff at that college over whether it should join the Tasmania Tomorrow system next year,” Mr McKim said.
“I am confident that should Mr Bartlett have the courage to instigate such a plebiscite of all Elizabeth College teaching and support staff its results would show that a clear majority to not want to be forced into the system.”
“A plebiscite would provide Elizabeth College teachers and support staff with an opportunity to express their views, and it would also force Mr Bartlett to listen.”
“Nobody is arguing that action was not needed on the State’s retention and literacy rates, yet this policy was forced upon teachers without consultation, and a plebiscite now would go some way to addressing this ham-fisted approach.”
“The Greens reiterate that no campus should be forced into the Tasmania Tomorrow system next year, and if David Bartlett is not prepared to listen to the depth of concern being voiced by his teachers then it is clear that he has chosen conflict and division over trying to find a way forward.”
Nick McKim Greens Leader
