Peter Gutwein has a surprise for the New Year

The School Year is inexorably drawing to a close. Two more days to go and final assemblies are happening in so many schools. 2014 is the year that so many teachers will be leaving their school communities along with the students they have taught.

This Christmas Holidays spare a thought for the 266 teachers that will no longer have jobs. But like in those annoying ads there’s the “but we have more”clause. Yes that’s right, this year the Department of Education only had to shave oh no sorry that’s right “save” $21.6 million (1.7%)* from their budget. Next year the Department will be required to shave another $38 million (3%) but wait there’s still more. In 2016-17 the Department will need to find a way of cutting their budget by wait for it a whopping $44.3 million (3.4%). So sorry Peter, I’ve let the cat out of the bag, I know you were saving that as a surprise for next year.

So ask me again why I am out on the streets protesting and I’ll tell you that I’m there because in the next few years we will see this Government rip education in this state to shreds. We need the Government to stop fixating on filling their budget black hole and have a long term view with the interests of our kids first and foremost. Isn’t that what they put out in their policy “Students First” ? Well I am calling on this Government to stop talking and start walking in the right direction. Fund education, it’s the future of our children and Tasmania that you are putting at stake.

*Source; TasCOSS Tasmanian State Budget 2014-15, Analysis and summary.

http://tascoss.org.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=w4qEG_ldeUM%3D&portalid=0
Teresa O’Leary, South Hobart Primary and Taroona High parent