The AEU Tasmania Branch is running newspaper advertisements across Tasmania today as part of its campaign against Premier Will Hodgman’s broken promises and cuts to education.

AEU Tasmania President Terry Polglase said the Hodgman Government’s plan to sack 266 teachers from Tasmanian schools is devastating and will hurt students.

“Quality education is too important to give up without a fight and we want Will Hodgman to be held accountable for his broken promise not to cut frontline staff from schools,” Mr Polglase said.

“These ads will inform parents as to what is at stake in the schools their children attend, and will urge them to tell Premier Hodgman that the cuts must be stopped.”

“He was elected on a promise of investing in our schools, but has now turned round and said he will cut 266 teachers from schools.”

“Primary schools will lose up to two teachers, and colleges will lose up to four. This will have a huge impact on what they can offer to students.

“They’ll find it harder to offer literacy and numeracy support, or they’ll have to cut music, languages or other subjects.”

“Children will miss out on opportunities at school and won’t get an education that lets them reach their full potential.”

“Mr Hodgman promised many times that these cuts would never happen under a Liberal Government. For example, he said in the Liberals 2012 “Future Directions” document that:

“Unlike Labor and the Greens we won’t sack nurses, teachers or police. We’ll prioritise essential frontline services over other, less essential areas of Government.” (Will Hodgman)

“There is already a lot of anger in the community as parents are finding out their children will be in bigger classes, and will be getting less support next year.”

“Education is crucial for Tasmania’s future and Tasmanian children need properly-resourced schools. That’s what Will Hodgman promised and that’s what he needs to deliver.”

“They have tried to blame teachers for these cuts, claiming they have been made necessary because teachers rejected a wage freeze.”

“But the Hodgman Government was never negotiated and would never guarantee that a wage freeze would save jobs.”

“The buck stops with Will Hodgman. He promised on many occasions before the election to quarantine front line services from cuts, and he has chosen to go back on his promise.”

Mr Polglase said that Tasmanian teachers would stop work for two hours on Thursday 8.30am to 10.30am, November 27, in a bid to stop the cuts.
AEU Tasmania President Terry Polglase