The AEU has today launched an advertising campaign reminding people of the Liberal Government’s track record on broken promises and cuts to public education.

“I think it’s important that we make people aware of the Liberal Government’s record on education which has been one of devastating cuts to schools, colleges and TAFE,” said AEU Tasmania Branch President Helen Richardson.

“AEU members are extremely concerned about the future of education in Tasmania should the Liberals win government on Saturday. The Liberal Government’s poor track record, shows they would have an ‘uphill battle’ to win back the trust of teachers, principals and support staff in our public schools,” said Ms Richardson.

“Our ad campaign includes print and online and will run untill election day. Our members are using this opportunity to raise concerns about a future Liberal Government and how it will affect education in Tasmania. Not only has this government cut, but it has consistently failed to consult with educators.

“The Liberals came to office promising not to cut frontline positions but broke that promise by axing 266 teachers and other staff. Our students and schools are still suffering as a result.”

Last year, a report by Independent policy analyst Martyn Goddard, showed that the Liberal Government diverted $51 million in education-specific GST funding away from schools in a single year. This extra money is given by the Federal Government in recognition of this state’s higher-than-average needs for government school education.
“The Report blew the whistle and revealed the true state of education funding in Tasmania. The reality is that the Liberal Government cut funding rather than investing in our children’s future,” said Ms Richardson.
A report prepared for the AEU by Population Demographer Dr Amina Keygan shows that since 2014 classroom teacher numbers have been cut by 68 (headcount) or 116 Full-time Equivalents (FTE).
“The data from the Department of Education’s own annual reports, showed that there are less teachers in classrooms now under the Liberal Government than when it came to office.
“We’re the most disadvantaged state and many of our students have high and complex needs. Any state government serious about lifting the educational achievements of students needs to be increasing classroom teacher numbers not cutting them.” said Ms Richardson.

The recent Productivity Commission Report released earlier this month, reveals that the Liberal Government cut its budget for education by $21.2 million dollars in 2015-2016.

“Sadly, educators have not seen the Liberal Government deliver through the school gate what has been urgently needed to ensure every child receives the individual attention and tailored support they need for a quality education.”
“Our Quality Education for All campaign has called on all political parties to commit to restoring and exceeding the funding cuts to education in 2014. Our education system is in crisis, and urgently needs an additional 250 teachers, 200 teacher assistants, professional support staff, and to take principals off the staffing quota.

Further information …

ROGS here: https://www.pc.gov.au/research/ongoing/report-on-government-services/2018/child-care-education-and-training/school-education

Our previous Media Releases on aforementioned topics here: https://aeutas.org.au/news-and-publications/aeu-media-releases/
Helen Richardson, AEU President