Media release – Sarah Courtney, Minister for Education, 15 July 2021
Supporting students, families and schools with Professional Support Staff
Recruitment has commenced today for school psychologists, social workers and speech and language pathologists to support the work of our Child and Family Learning Centre as part of the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s $3.82 million First 100 Day election commitment.
The new staff will support Tasmanian families and students at every stage of their development and learning, and are designed to replicate the Support and Wellbeing team model currently in government schools.
Expanding the support in Child and Family Learning Centres will build on the variety of critical services already delivered to families and young children experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage.
The successful recruitment program will result in a record number of professional support staff and will assist students to participate in, and engage with early learning wellbeing, literacy, and numeracy.
Professional Support Staff, including psychologists, speech and language pathologists and social workers, are key in providing critical evidence-based services to optimise learning, wellbeing and engagement.
Education is the single most powerful driver for improving economic and social outcomes in Tasmania including health, life expectancy, happiness and productivity.
That’s why our last Budget includes $7.5 billion over the forward estimates, with an additional $204 million in capital works to support teachers, students and improve education infrastructure in our schools.
For further information about employment opportunities, visit www.jobs.tas.gov.au.
Josh Willie MLC, Shadow Minister for Education & Early Years, 15 July 2021
Courtney can’t ignore the issues in our schools
Education Minister Sarah Courtney’s announcement of additional psychologists, social workers and speech and language pathologists in Child and Family Centres is welcome but does not go far enough.
Shadow Minister for Education and Early Years Josh Willie said it was great that the Liberal Party recognises the value of Child and Family Centres.
“Child and Family Centres were a strong initiative of past Labor Governments and they are making a difference in our communities,” Mr Willie said.
“The Liberals had to be dragged kicking and screaming to commit to building more of these essential centres and the announcement by Sarah Courtney in line with the Liberal Party election commitment is welcome. Early intervention, empowering children and families and building capacity for a great school experience is of the upmost importance.
“The Labor Party supports todays initiative but thinks the government needs to do more.”
Mr Willie said it is not good enough that there are only 80 social workers, 70 school psychologists, 50 speech pathologists for 62,000 enrolments in our schools.
“While at the same time young people are facing increased mental health challenges, too many kids are falling through the gaps and not getting the support they need to engage with learning. Teachers are burning out because they’re not being given the help by government to meet the demand.
“Minister Courtney cannot ignore the current issues in our schools.
“This week it was revealed there were 6,800 students suspended last year including children in prep and kindergarten as young as four and 1,774 incidents of physical abuse of another student in schools. Alarming attendance rates for Tasmanian year 11 and 12 extension schools were also revealed this week and it is clear students are not receiving the support they need to succeed on their education pathway.
“Education Minister Sarah Courtney must do more to help all Tasmanian school students. Labor welcomes today’s announcement but it does not go far enough.”
