Statements
Education Minister dodges questions on school social workers
Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff won’t say how many social workers and counsellors have been cut from Tasmanian schools.
Shadow Human Services Minister Rebecca White said cuts in education are having a broader impact.
“We’re worried that less social workers and counsellors in schools will mean less cases of suspected child abuse are picked up,” Ms White said.
“The Education Minister could not explain how many of these vital positions have been cut across Tasmanian schools.
“Labor understands schools are sharing vital support workers as principals deal with shrinking budgets.
“This is not the education system Tasmania was promised by the Liberals.
“What happened to the Liberal Government’s repeated promise to protect frontline services.
“Social workers and counsellors perform an enormously important role in our schools and the Minister must be honest about how many have been let go.”
Rebecca White MP Shadow Human Services Minister