Premier Will Hodgman has been found out trying to mislead Tasmanians over increasing class sizes in public schools.
“Mr Hodgman clearly said yesterday that class sizes were within the Government’s target range which is clearly not true,” Shadow Education Minister Michelle O’Byrne said.
“Class sizes will remain below the targeted 25.” Will Hodgman, ABC Radio, March 2, 2015.
“Mr Hodgman’s statement was deliberately aimed to deceive in an attempt to cover up the impact of the Liberals’ decision to sack teachers and cut education services.
Ms O’Byrne highlighted in Parliament today a number of schools where class sizes were well above 25 and 30 or above.
“The Brooks High School in Launceston has classes of 30 in grade 7, 8, 9 and 10, Princes Street Primary has two classes of 30, Devonport High School has a grade 10 class of 30 while Mountain Heights School in Queenstown has two classes of 34 students.
“Contradicting Mr Hodgman’s statement, Education Minsiter Jeremy Rockliff said the Government’s class size target would be averaged out across all schools around the State.
“Mr Rockliff may try to defend the Premier’s dishonesty by clinging to averages but that is cold comfort to parents with children in cramped classes.
“This is typical of the smoke and mirrors approach of this government.
“Class sizes are increasing because of the Liberals’ cuts to education and that is indefensible.”
Michelle O’Byrne Shadow Education Minister
