PROPOSAL TO BREAK SCHOOL FUNDING CRISIS.

TASMANIAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE SCHOOL ORGANISATIONS INC.

“We want to see our government school children put first” is the message from TASSO President Jenny Eddington.

“TASSO has been appalled by the way both the state government and the AEU have been unable to resolve the school funding crisis. We hear blame, recrimination and self justification. We don’t see any commitment to the needs of our children” Mrs Eddington said. “Where is the leadership and focus on getting an outcome that is in the best interests of our children”?

As a result of TASSO’s frustration, the organisation set out to consult widely and draw up its own proposal to resolve the funding crisis. Today TASSO presented the proposal for the information of all parents and the community.

“We believe that our proposal offers some real suggestions for progress” Mrs Eddington said. “By talking and listening, we have identified and addressed some important issues. It is not that hard if you really want to get a result” she said. “Unfortunately we can’t get either side to accept our proposal at present, but given more time, we believe we could get a result”.

The Proposal asks the AEU to accept the 18 month wage freeze but also asks the Education Minister to reinstate the IT technicians and provide $3.5m per year in additional student support. It also has proposals to cut the demands being put on schools by the Department of Education. Our focus is on the work of schools and supporting that work.

“Because we believe the funding crisis must be fixed urgently, we are calling on the AEU and the Minister to now get on with serious negotiations. It may be that they will need to bring in an external mediator or arbitrator if they can’t do it on their own.” Mrs Eddington said.

“Our children come first.”

Download Industrial Agreement 2014 Narrative:

Industrial_Agreement_2014_Narrative.pdf
TASSO President Jenny Eddington