Rockliff must explain why he knows better

Jeremy Rockliff’s decision to replace the Tasmanian Qualifications Authority with himself is the latest bizarre thought bubble from the Liberal Government.

Shadow Education Minister Michelle O’Byrne has questioned the wisdom in Mr Rockliff deciding the curriculum for year 11 and 12 students.

“What qualifications does Jeremy Rockliff have to take on this important role?,” said Ms O’Byrne.

“What guarantees can the Minister give that this process will be free of politics and Liberal Party ideology?

“Why is he better placed to oversee subject choices in our schools than experts at arm’s length of politics?

“If the Government is determined to scrap the Tasmanian Qualifications Authority it should be considering real, long lasting reform.

“Labor’s plan for an expert policy body, spearheaded by the University of Tasmania, has attracted strong community support.

“Labor envisages this policy body will be responsible for establishing an integrated and comprehensive educational model starting from early childhood and ending with tertiary education or trades training for all Tasmanians.

“Rather than the Minister calling the shots, based on the politics of the day, the future education of our kids should be determined by experts and long term vision.”
Michelle O’Byrne MP Deputy Labor Leader Shadow Education Minister