The Tasmanian Disability Education Reform Lobby (TDERL) today welcomes the confirmation of an
additional $4.09 million allocated to students with disability in the 2016/17 budget. When this is
combined with the promised $12 million over 4 years for the implementation of the Improved Support
for Students with Disability Taskforce recommendations we will see an increase of $7.09 million
dollars in the disability education budget for 2016/17.

TDERL is encouraged by the real commitment of the Government to students with disability. This
increase in budget allocations is the first step to a better-resourced school system for students with
disability, however it is critical that this money is used in the most efficient and effective way possible.
To this end the TDERL will continue to monitor how the additional money is expended and the results
of that expenditure.

We congratulate the Government for prioritising the needs of students with disability in it’s 2016/17
budget. These budget commitments start to show students with disability their parents and carers that
they are serious about improving the education outcomes for all students in Tasmanian schools.

Further the TDERL look forward to seeing the progressive implementation of the Improved Support
for Students with Disability Taskforce recommendations via the Inclusion Advisory Panel – Disability
Focus Inclusion Advisory Panel – Disability Focus.

Kristen Desmond, founder of the Tasmanian Disability Education Reform Lobby said
“This budget commitment is a great first step to long term sustainable reform. There is still much to do
and further resourcing required but the additional funding is welcomed.”

“The TDERL have worked hard to ensure the issues faced by students with disability their parents
and carers everyday in our schools were heard by the Tasmanian Government. We believe that the
budget commitments and the formation of the Inclusion Advisory Panel – Disability Focus shows that
the views of students, parents and carers have finally been taken seriously. We look forward to
seeing positive change in the months to come.” she said
Kristen Desmond, Tasmanian Disability Education Reform Lobby (TDERL)