Parents, youth groups, disability advocates, welfare organisations, teachers and unions today called for Premier Will Hodgman to rule out further damaging cuts to schools in his May budget, and for him to deliver on his Gonski promise, in full.

“Will Hodgman promised to put education at the heart of his Government but all we’ve seen so far is cuts and broken promises,” said Terry Polglase, AEU Tasmanian Branch President.

“Mr Hodgman’s savage staff and budget cuts have increased class sizes and forced the axing of vital programs such as literacy and numeracy support, Pathway Planners, and subjects such as music, drama, and languages,” said Mr Polglase.

“Our students need more resources not less. Premier Will Hodgman must immediately rule out any further cuts to education staff and resources in his May budget.”

“Premier Hodgman must honour his Gonski promise and ensure the Gonski funding is delivered in full, as additional money, where it’s most needed in schools.”

Mr Hodgman has so far failed to deliver on Gonski – less than 30cents in every Gonski dollar is making it past the school gate.

In the May 2015 state budget, $31 million of Gonski money will be allocated to public education and this funding must be additional money directed to schools, where it is needed.

“Let there be no confusion – Gonski is additional funding meant for students who most need extra support – it is not there to make up the difference for Mr Hodgman’s savage cuts to education,” he said.

“This year’s allocation of Gonski money must not be used to fund other education thought-bubbles or to fill black holes caused by cuts. It must be delivered to schools, where it is needed most.”

The AEU has collected 1500 signatures on an open letter to Hodgman, in just a couple of days, from parents, teachers, community groups and schools across Tasmania. The signatures are still flooding in! They will be collated and delivered to the Premier.

*Stakeholders represented at today’s event on Parliament House Lawns included Anglicare, the Youth Network of Tasmania, The Association of Children with Disability, CPSU, AEU, UTAS Education Society union, parents and teachers.
Terry Polglase, AEU Tasmanian Branch President