 Liberals back down on compulsory high school extensions
 Minister fails to address consequences for colleges
 Are colleges eligible for infrastructure upgrades?

“The Liberal Government has already back-flipped on its policy to extend all high schools to year 12.

“Yesterday Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said all schools would be extended to year 12 while today he is claiming extensions will not be compulsory,” Shadow Education Minister Michelle O’Byrne said.

“The Government can’t have it both ways. Is the policy compulsory or not? Will all high schools, regardless of constraints, be forced to offer year 11 and 12 come 2022?

“Labor does not support schools being forced to extend. A one-size fits all model will not work.

“Labor strongly believes Tasmania will be best served by a collaborative model which sees high schools, colleges and TAFE working together.

“Under Labor’s plan, students in grade seven would enrol right through until year 12 to encourage retention.

“Initiatives like the teganna Collective on Hobart’s eastern shore show what can be achieved when schools work together.

“We need to have an open, honest community conversation about what the Government’s policy will mean for public colleges.

“Take Launceston for example, if the Government extends Prospect, Queechy, Kings Meadows, Brooks and Riverside to year 12, what will that do to Newstead and Launceston colleges?

“Are colleges eligible for any of the infrastructure upgrades?

“Does the Government have a plan when it comes to staffing, resourcing and courses offered?

“Surely the best way to develop aspiration is to resource, support and work with students throughout their education journey – schools are calling for more resources at all levels and particularly for pathway planning, school psychologists and social workers.

“Labor’s plan will build on the strengths of colleges and high schools and create learning networks which ensure that all students are able to access the learning they need at the right time and in the right place.”
Michelle O’Byrne MP Deputy Labor Leader Shadow Education Minister