EDUCATION DESERVES DUAL GREEN TEAM FOCUS

The Tasmanian Greens today said that the Education sector is a key driver of both social and economic reform, and deserves the boosted focus and status it will now receive with the dual team of Greens Leader Nick McKim MP becoming Minister for Education and Skills as well as the appointment of Paul O’Halloran MP as Parliamentary Secretary assisting the Minister.

Greens Member for Braddon, Paul ‘Basil” O’Halloran MP, who is currently the Greens Shadow Education spokesperson and newly announced Parliamentary Secretary, said he was looking forward to digging in and supporting the new Greens Education and Skills Minister, Nick McKim MP deliver his education vision and agenda.

“The Tasmanian Greens over the last few decades have proudly placed Education front and centre of our policy platform, as we believe it is a crucial driver of Tasmania’s social and economic future,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“Nick McKim will be a fantastic Minister for Education and Skills and I am very honoured to have been appointed Parliamentary Secretary assisting the Minister deliver his, and the Greens, vision for education in Tasmania.”

“We already have a strong track record in this area, and we took to the election a very positive agenda for education, and have already delivered with a promised restructure of the Post Year 10 sector.”

“I am confident that my direct experience and knowledge, having worked across a broad range of education sectors such as district, high, college, university, public, private and catholic, will contribute to the Greens capacity to deliver.”

“We need a strong focus on improved educational outcomes and meeting the needs of our economy through skills acquisition, as well as developing key transition points, particularly years 10-11 and 12-beyond with a focus on transitions and pathways planning.”

“We also need to focus on early years, as this is where the greatest gains can be made. It is a time where we can lay down a solid foundation and minimise the chances of kids falling through the cracks.”

“Mr McKim has already begun by stating he intends to prioritise addressing numeracy and literacy and retention, and I am delighted that I will be in a position to formally contribute to his work across this significant platform.”

“Having a Greens Minister will provide the opportunity, perhaps most importantly, to highlight why we need to value education, and value teachers for their work and contribution, especially the positive difference they make to young people’s lives,” Mr O’Halloran said.
Paul ‘Basil’ O’Halloran MP Greens Education spokesperson