Liberal cuts wreaking havoc as schools go back

The Liberal Government’s cuts to education have created massive uncertainty for parents, teachers and students on the eve of schools returning.

Just days before the start of Term 1, some schools don’t know whether they will have the full complement of teachers or even who will teach certain classes.

Shadow Education Minister Michelle O’Byrne said cutting 266 teachers from schools has created unprecedented and damaging upheaval.

“Jeremy Rockliff promised to increase support for Tasmanian schools, instead his cuts to teacher numbers have created massive uncertainty,” Ms O’Byrne.

“Parents are telling me that they don’t even know who will be teaching their children’s classes, let alone whether they will have access to the full subject choices.

“Contrast this with the promises made by the Liberals before the election and school communities have a right to feel badly let down.

“Parents and teachers are equally concerned about bulging class sizes, an issue the Liberals promised they would address.

“I have great confidence that teachers, principals and support staff are working tirelessly to make the transition as smooth as possible for students but the Liberal Government has done serious damage.”
Michelle O’Byrne MP, Deputy Labor Leader, Shadow Education Minister