Media release – Tasmanian Association of State School Organisations (TASS), 19 March 2024
Parties prefer sound bites over solid improvement
TASSO, the Tasmanian Association of State School Organisations today called out a lack of commitment to public education by the two major parties, contrasted by firm commitment by minor parties and independents.
TASSO President Krissy McCance said today “Promises of ribbon-cutting ceremonies and me-too announcements abound, yet there is so far no commitment from either major party to fully fund our schools, and to end politicisation of school infrastructure.”
“Both Liberal and Labor have made announcements that only go some of the way on some of these issues – a box of cherry-picked announcements – a once off trial program, a policy in a related area, or a solution for a short period of time – but what we need is the cherry tree. Meanwhile, The Greens and several Independents have endorsed TASSO’s key priorities.”
“Disappointingly, education doesn’t seem to be a priority in this election campaign, with current commitments falling short of addressing the fundamental issues,” Ms McCance emphasised, “TASSO is urging all candidates, regardless of party affiliations, to genuinely commit to the education of our young people.”
TASSO’s members, the School Associations of Tasmanian government schools, have outlined their concerns in education. TASSO is calling for candidates to:
- Make a financial commitment to fully fund Tasmanian state schools.
- Address allied health and assessment shortfalls in state schools.
- Create an independent external maintenance and capital expenditure oversight board.
- Urgently review waste and disparity in delivery of Year 11 and 12 programs.
- Provide reliable free bus travel to all state school students.
- Provide before and after school care for all primary and district state schools that require it.”
“Our top priority is to see government schools funded to 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS),” Ms McCance emphasised. “Our state is currently underfunding our students’ education by more than $2000 per student per year and has some of the worst educational outcomes nationally. What could that money achieve in schools? Basic necessities like books and resources, individual support programs for struggling students? These are being promised by both major parties as election commitments, but without the commitment to properly fund schools as a priority now and into the future.”
“Education is the foundation for success. Without adequate resources, how do we expect our students to thrive?” Ms. McCance questioned.
Both major parties have also pledged major capital works including priority 1 schools.
“Would capital expenditure have been allocated to these schools if we weren’t in an election cycle? Are these announcements merely for show and, dare I say, votes? This is why TASSO wants transparency through an external oversight board to assess infrastructure funding based on need – just like student funding.”
“School infrastructure shouldn’t be part of a political campaign. The creation of an oversight board will prioritise schools most in need of upgrades over political whims aimed at swaying the voting public,” McCance emphasised.
TASSO continues its advocacy for a fair, equitable, and transparent education funding system in Tasmania. We call on State and Federal Governments to urgently prioritise full funding for government schools.
TASSO maintains that proper funding is essential to eliminate disparities, provide equal opportunities for all students, and build a robust foundation for the future of education in Tasmania.
