Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 16 August 2024
Statement from the Premier
I have accepted Tim Bullard’s resignation as Secretary of the Department of Education, Children, and Young People, as he takes on a new opportunity.
Mr Bullard has served the people of Tasmania for 20 years across various roles within the State Service, including Deputy Secretary in the Department of Premier and Cabinet before moving into his current role.
Mr Bullard has worked tirelessly to deliver improvements in the public education over the past eight years, including increasing support to children and their families in the early years, through the roll out of Child and Family Learning Centres, and the implementation of evidence informed reading instruction in every government school.
Mr Bullard’s commitment to building a system of equity across our public schools has been exemplary, seeing the introduction of nation leading reform to support the wellbeing of all learners, increased support for students with disability and reducing barriers to education for students impacted by trauma.
Mr Bullard’s leadership throughout the pandemic in ensuring students ongoing access to education was outstanding.
I thank Mr Bullard for his leadership throughout this period and wish him well in his future endeavours.
Mr Bullard will work over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition for the Department and our schools.
Felix Ellis, Minister for Housing and Planning, 16 August 2024
Providing foundations for brighter futures
More supported accommodation is on the way for young people on the north-west coast, providing a foundation for independence and growth.
The new Youth 2 Independence (Y2I) facility in Burnie will provide 25 new units of supported accommodation for young people aged 16-24.
The facility will be managed by Youth Family Community Connections (YFCC) who provide a range of services to young people, families, and individuals across the North-West and West coasts.
Minister for Housing and Planning, Felix Ellis said he was committed to providing more foundations for young people to learn, grow, and live their best lives.
“We’re leading the way in progressing education-first solutions to address youth homelessness, and the Y2I program supports young people to become independent adults by succeeding in education and training,” Minister Ellis said.
“Young people who live at Y2I commit to The Deal, backing themselves in to develop the skills and knowledge needed to obtain a Certificate I in Developing Independence.
“Each Y2I unit built is more than just a roof over a head; its foundations made, a life changed, and futures shaped.
“Our government is committed to supporting young people and taking action to end homelessness through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future,” he said.
The Tasmanian Government funded the $14.2 million facility which is being built by local contractor, Stubbs Construction, resulting in an economic benefit of over $40 million for the north west coast.
It will include a self-contained unit for on site for support staff, communal facilities such as a shared kitchen, dining room laundry, gym, offices, and meeting rooms. Car parking and outdoor recreational space will also be provided on site.
Expected completion for the facility is April 2025.
Jo Palmer, Minister for Education, 16 August 2024
Review of education system underway
The independent review of Tasmania’s Education System is now underway, with the Terms of Reference released today.
The review is being undertaken to provide advice to the Tasmanian Government on evidence-based and impactful reforms that will improve our education system and educational outcomes over the next decade.
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said the scope of the review will include the government and non-government school sectors, with a focus on Kindergarten to Year 12.
“Tasmania’s education system has a critical role to play in ensuring Tasmanian children and young people gain the skills they need to lead their best lives and fully contribute to our community and economic future,” Minister Palmer said.
“The review is being led by Vicki Baylis, an independent, experienced and well-respected Australian educator.
“There will be an opportunity for all Tasmanians, including children and young people, families and educators to share their views.”
The review will focus on five themes: defining educational success, strengthening supports and engagement for all learners at all stages of their education, outcomes at the conclusion of the formal years of schooling, support for our teaching workforce and accountability for improved outcomes.
Minister Palmer said the Tasmanian Government wants an education system that is ambitious for our children and young people, making sure every child reaches their potential, regardless of background, location or any other factor.
“We want to strengthen shared accountability for improved student outcomes, including in remote and rural areas, so our young Tasmanians can contribute to the state’s productivity by being part of a highly-skilled local workforce,” Minister Palmer said.
“We have delivered significant change in the education system over the past ten years, including extending high schools to years 11 and 12 and changing the law to ensure young people are in education or training.
“Under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future we are implementing evidence based structured literacy (including phonics) in all primary schools; investing record amounts into school upgrades and new builds; providing more support for students with a disability, increasing VET courses across all secondary schools and colleges and continuing to grow our skilled education workforce.”
A discussion paper will be released as part of the consultation approach to help guide the conversation, allowing all interested individuals and groups to have input.
The Review will be completed, with the report provided to the Government by the end of 2024.
More information is available on the Independent Education Review website.
