Media Release – Australian Education Union (Tasmanian Branch), Friday, 6 March 2026
Teachers and Support Staff Issue Ultimatum for Further Strike Action
Today, public sector unions announced further strike action if Premier Rockliff fails to resolve negotiations for new public sector collective agreements by Friday, 20 March 2026.
The Premier’s refusal to negotiate fairly with educators to address rising school violence and unsafe workloads is fuelling a crisis in public education. Workers are now left with no choice but to escalate industrial action unless Premier Rockliff intervene to ensure negotiations are resolved.
Media Release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 7 March 2026
New Proposal on the Table for Teachers
A fair and affordable Tasmanian Teachers Agreement proposal was provided to the Australian Education Union on Friday.
The offer includes a pay rise of 3 per cent in year one, 3 per cent in year two and 2.75 per cent in year three, as well as a range of incentives and conditions, and is in line with the offer accepted by police.
The proposal supports the shared objectives of Government and the AEU to improve learner outcomes, address violence in schools, reduce administrative burden on teachers and workload management.
This overall package has been achieved through offsets from reprofiling of capital funding, existing funding arrangements, and efficiencies.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the Government was committed to reaching a fair and affordable agreement for our teachers through respectful and constructive negotiation.
“Both parties have committed significant time and resources through meetings and dedicated workshops, and I thank the union members and staff who have participated,” Premier Rockliff said.
“Given the positive offer on the table, we believe this should put an end to the work bans to allow our teachers to continue their enormously valued work in our schools.”
“The Tasmanian Government has delivered pay rises for doctors, police, firefighters and education facility attendants.”
The offer will remain open to teachers until March 20 to enable a salary increase to be effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 March 2026, as per the agreement.
Media Release – Tabatha Badger MP, Greens Skills and Training Spokesperson, 12 March 2026
TasTAFE Funding Cuts Lie at Liberals’ Feet
News TasTAFE will be cutting courses and restructuring to find $45 million in savings over the next four years raises significant concerns for vocational education in Tasmania, and the teachers providing it.
Since arts and lab tech courses were cut last year, we’ve been calling for the Liberals to be honest with Tasmanians about the full extent of cuts at TasTAFE. It’s now clear there are plans for sweeping cuts at TasTAFE.
TasTAFE provides vocational education and training for Tasmanian young people which sets them up for the workforce. Yet the Liberals have constantly undervalued the important role TasTAFE plays and not given it the funding it needs.
Cuts at TasTAFE are a direct consequence of the Liberals’ warped spending priorities. Teachers and students will rightfully be concerned about what the future will look like at the educational institutional.
Young people are already leaving the state in droves because they can’t get the education and training they need to be workforce-ready. Cuts at TasTAFE are only going to make things worse for Tasmania’s young people.
Arts and lab tech courses have already been cut at TasTAFE. What’s next? The Liberals need to start being honest with Tasmanians about what TasTAFE courses and campuses are on the chopping block.
When TasTAFE was privatised, the Liberals promised it wouldn’t affect the education and training opportunities offered to Tasmania’s young people. It’s another broken Liberal promise.
Tasmania’s young people deserve better. The Liberals must stop the sweeping cuts at TasTAFE by properly funding vocational education in this state.
Media Release – Josh Willie MP, Labor Leader, Shadow Minister for Education and Early Years & Brian Mitchell MP, Shadow Minister for TAFE, Skills and Training, 13 March 2026
Ellis Must Come Clean on $45 Million TasTAFE Cuts
Skills Minister Felix Ellis must come clean with Tasmanians about where $45 million in cuts at TasTAFE will come from, and what they will mean for students, teachers, and the state’s future workforce.
TasTAFE has revealed it must find $45 million in savings over the next four years, with a significant portion expected to be delivered within the next 12 months.
Tasmanians deserve to know exactly what this means.
- How many more courses will be cut?
- Which courses are on the chopping block?
- And how many more staff will lose their jobs?
These questions are even more pressing given the Liberals already cut 12 courses and sacked 18 staff just before Christmas last year.
Cutting courses and cutting teachers is the last thing Tasmania needs when we are already facing skills shortages across key industries.
TasTAFE plays a critical role in training the workers our economy relies on. From trades and agriculture to technology, health, and the creative industries.
Every course cut is a pathway closed for a Tasmanian who wants to build their future here.
Every job cut is a loss of expertise and experience that students rely on.
At a time when Tasmania should be strengthening training opportunities and building the workforce we need for the future, the Liberals are presiding over more uncertainty and more cuts.
If Felix Ellis believes these cuts are necessary, he should front up and explain exactly what they are and what they will mean.
Media Release – Josh Willie MP, Labor Leader, Shadow Minister for Education and Early Years, 19 March 2026
Palmer Doing Nothing to Protect Education Courses, Election Commitments
Minister Jo Palmer is under immense pressure across her Education and Children and Youth portfolios, and her performance today shows exactly why.
First, the Minister failed to explain what she is doing to protect TAFE courses relating to early years and education from her Liberal Government’s $45 million in cuts to the training organisation.
Tasmania already faces ongoing shortages of teachers, teacher aides and early childhood educators.
When asked today how she was ensuring these shortages wouldn’t be exacerbated by the $45 million in cuts coming to TAFE, the Minister couldn’t point to any action she had taken.
Then, the Minister confirmed she had cut the Liberals’ promise of a “supersized” Child and Family Learning Centre in Scottsdale in half, by scrapping the proposed childcare component.
Minister Palmer has already lost the confidence of the education workforce and she’s well on the way to losing the confidence of stakeholders across the rest of her portfolio areas.
Media Release – Tabatha Badger MP, Greens Skills and Training Spokesperson, 19 March 2026
Ellis Confirms Anti-TAFE, Pro-Privatisation Agenda
The Rockliff Government’s anti-TAFE and pro-privatisation agenda was on full display in Parliament today, with Minister Felix Ellis revealing new details on his plans for divestment of TAFE facilities.
The Greens have been trying for months to get an answer on whether levels of the Campbell Street campus will be leased out, and finally now we have an answer – they will be. But not only that, the Minister confirmed he is looking at leasing out parts of other public TasTAFE campuses to private training providers.
The Greens and stakeholders have long been warning about Felix Ellis’s privatisation agenda for TAFE, and now finally the Minister has reinforced our concerns.
To support our community, economy, and workforce, its crucial we have a strong public training provider. Instead, what we are seeing under the Liberals is course cuts, job cuts, and a hollowing out of training facilities to make space for private providers.
The government says they are concerned about young people leaving Tasmania to seek opportunities elsewhere, but their efforts to gut TAFE are only going to make things worse. Unfortunately it seems the Liberals’ ideological view in favour of privatisation is more important to them than good outcomes for students, staff, and our community.
Media Release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 20 March 2026
Second Wage Offer Put to Tasmanian Teachers
A comprehensive second wage offer for a new Teachers Agreement has been put to the Australian Education Union, following feedback provided to the offer put forward by the Tasmanian Government on March 7.
The package reflects the dedicated and collaborative discussions regarding the shared priorities of teacher workload, staff safety, professional staff support and a range of operational matters that are essential to supporting teachers and improving student outcomes.
The proposal also includes a pay rise of 3 per cent in year one, 3 per cent in year two and 2.75 per cent in year three, as well as a range of incentives and conditions, and is in line with the offer accepted by police.
In addition, a further boost to salaries in the first year for the majority of teachers and assistant principals is also included in the package.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said this strengthened package was shaped by months of negotiation, joint workshops, and detailed consideration of the AEU’s log of claims.
“Given the extremely positive package on the table, which delivers on our shared priorities with teachers, work bans should end to ensure student learning can continue without disruption,” Premier Rockliff said.
“The Tasmanian Government has delivered pay rises for doctors, police, firefighters and education facility attendants.”
The offer is supported by a suite of commitments, including additional staffing to address violence in schools, senior staffing uplifts, a statewide psychological assessment hub, and reforms to student learning plans, attendance follow up processes, and local school level agreements.
This overall package has been achieved through offsets from reprofiling of capital funding, existing funding arrangements, and efficiencies.
This three-year package will remain open until 5pm on March 25, enabling a salary increase to be effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 March 2026, as per the agreement.
Media Release – Jo Palmer, Minister for Education, 20 March 2026
Taking Action to Keep School Staff Safe
The next phase of implementing the Violence in Schools – Keeping Staff Safe Action Plan is underway.
This week, staff from the 20 schools receiving additional support under the Action Plan came together for focused training on early support, planning, prevention and response practices, as well as building safe, consistent approaches to managing complex student behaviour.
The training was attended by a mix of principals and professional support staff, such as school psychologists, social workers and speech pathologists.
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said there is no place for violent or threatening behaviour in our schools.
“Our Liberal Government is taking action and delivering this support for our schools,” Minister Palmer said.
“We have listened to our education workforce, and their feedback has directly shaped this work.
“This is an important opportunity for staff to come together, share experiences, and work collectively on strategies and initiatives that support wellbeing and learning across classrooms.
“We’ve had really positive feedback from principals and staff so far, and I look forward to continuing to engage with our workforce as we implement the Action Plan.”
Participating schools will work side by side to:
- strengthen approaches that promote positive behaviours and help prevent unsafe situations;
- respond clearly and consistently if incidents occur; and
- support staff and students if they are affected.
Two Networks will operate – one focused on high schools and one on the early years. This reflects the different contexts and pressures across stages of schooling.
Further training sessions will be held in Terms 2 and 3 this year.
Media Release – AEU Tasmanian, 20 March 2026
Educators Reject Government Offers – Strikes to Proceed
AEU Tasmania’s elected leadership team has voted to reject the Government’s employment offers for Support Staff and Teachers, which include outrageous proposals for cuts while falling short in key areas of pay and workload relief.
“It beggars’ belief that this government thinks it is acceptable to make an offer to educators that seeks to include a requirement to discuss public service cuts while failing to address fundamental issues of workload and fair pay,” said David Genford, AEU Tasmania Branch President.
“Amid unsafe workloads, rising school violence and a recruitment and retention crisis, the government is focussed on cuts while rejecting practical solutions we have offered to address key issues like workload,” said Mr Genford.
“Educators remain furious at the Premier and Education Minister’s lack of respect and they have been left with no other choice but to continue with plans for statewide 24-hour strike action next week,” he said.
“Teachers and support staff are united in taking a stand to force the government to take the issues of fair pay and workload relief seriously.
“It’s so frustrating that we are putting forward solutions that will improve the quality of learning for students over the long-term and the government is prioritising its short-term political interests.”
AEU Tasmania’s Branch Executive, who are serving educators, met today [Fri] and rejected the Government’s offers for Teachers and Support Staff.
AEU members will participate in 24-hour, rolling stop work action over three days next week and the Minister must make decisions now about school closures and inform school communities.
Media Release – Cassy O’Connor MLC, Greens Education Spokesperson, 20 March 2026
Greens Stand with Teachers
The Greens stand with Tasmanian teachers and support staff in their rejection of the Rockliff Government’s latest pay offer.
Our educators, and the students whose lives they enrich and expand, deserve better.
School communities across the island are paying the price for a government that has lost its way; a government that prioritises a new stadium over our children’s education.
It’s outrageous the government is focussed on cuts while teachers have unsafe workloads and school violence is rising, and school support staff are paid substantially less than their mainland counterparts.
We are all the poorer for the Liberals’ political choices.
The Premier, a former Education Minister, needs to step up and make sure teachers and support staff are offered the fair pay and conditions they, and Tasmanian students, deserve.
Media Release – Josh Willie MP, Labor Leader, Shadow Minister for Education and Early Years, 22 March 2026
Minister Palmer’s Failure to Respect Teachers Impacting Tasmanian Families
Minister Jo Palmer’s failure to respect the workforce is starting to have a big impact on Tasmanian families, with school closures set to take place across the state next week.
Teachers and support staff are passionate about educating the next generation of Tasmanians.
Our educators don’t take school closures lightly – it’s a matter of last resort and shows just how badly they are being treated by Minster Palmer and Premier Rockliff.
The Liberals need to stop disrespecting the education workforce because it’s Tasmanian students and families who ultimately pay the price.
Media Release – Josh Willie MP, Labor Leader, Shadow Minister for Education and Early Years, 24 March 2026
Minister Refuses to Stand Up for Teachers (Again)
Minister for Education Jo Palmer has failed to stand up for teachers against highly offensive remarks made by Deputy Premier Guy Barnett claiming their industrial action was nothing more than a political plot.
The Minister had a choice today – back in the workforce and condemn the Deputy Premier’s comments, or back in the Deputy Premier and further disrespect teachers and support staff.
She chose Guy Barnett.
This sort of attitude helps explain why Minister Palmer has failed to get a deal done with teachers, and why schools are closing across the state this week.
The Minister for photo-ops thinks this is all about her, and not about teachers, support staff, and their concerns.
Minister Palmer has disrespected teachers and support staff every step of the way of these negotiations, and today was another slap in the face.
If the Education Minister won’t stand up for teachers against comments like the ones made by the Deputy Premier, how can they believe this Government has their back?
The Liberals need to stop disrespecting the education workforce because it’s Tasmanian students and families who ultimately pay the price.
Media Release – Josh Willie MP, Labor Leader, Shadow Minister for Education & Early Years, 26 March 2026
Frustrated Educators Shake Their Heads at Palmer’s Disrespect
Minister Jo Palmer has continued to disrespect teachers and school support staff fighting for a fair go, leaving frustrated educators watching on in the public gallery shaking their heads.
Instead of taking the opportunity to acknowledge the workforce and their frustration at the way they have been treated, Minister Palmer chose to tell teachers and support staff that the offer on the table was a fair one.
Minister Palmer has completely misjudged the depth of frustration among our hardworking educators – if the offer is as fair as the Minister claims, why have thousands of educators walked off the job this week?
The Minister also refused to explain why she thinks its ok that the offer currently on the table would leave Tasmanian teachers among the lowest paid in the country.
The Liberals have been responsible for so much waste over the last 12 years that the consequences are starting to pile up for Tasmanians.
With Eric Abetz clasping the purse-strings tightly as he prepares to cut the guts out of the public service, it is disappointing, but not surprising that Premier Rockliff and Minister Palmer won’t respect our hardworking educators with a fair offer.
Media Release – SaveUTAS, 22 March 2026
New UTAS Bill Will Discourage Young Tasmanians from Enrolling
SaveUTAS co-chair Mike Foster warns that the University of Tasmania (Protection of Land) Bill, expected to be debated in the Legislative Council this Wednesday 25 March 2026, will impair the future of vital UTAS STEM facilities and dishearten staff and students.
As originally introduced, the Bill honoured the Rockliff government’s 2024 election promise to protect the whole University of Tasmania’s Sandy Bay campus. However, for reasons never fully revealed, at the last minute it was amended to rezone and sell off the upper campus above Churchill Avenue. Thus, a Bill to protect the whole campus became a Bill to sell off campus land and essential facilities.
The upper campus houses vital and irreplaceable UTAS STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) facilities and extensive student accommodation. It is also home to STEM-related facilities like the CSIRO, the Tasmanian Museum’s Herbarium, the Bushfire Research Hub and FireLab3 where the Menzies Institute is a partner.
Although the government promised no campus land would be sold without ‘a compelling business case’ the rezoning and sale aspect of the Bill is unsupported by any expert assessments as to what zoning is suitable or the impact on adjacent communities. Nor has analysis been done as to the impact on UTAS teaching and research.
In December 2025 Hobart City Councillors voted to oppose the rezoning aspect of the Bill and the Lord Mayor has written to each Legislative Councillor asking them to oppose it.
The Bill has the predictable support of both major parties, neither of which appears concerned at the lack of any rationale or analysis.
However, the Bill must yet be passed by the independent-dominated Legislative Council . Obvious objections include the lack of proper planning advice, the absence of any indication that the Bill will result in housing or income for UTAS, and the impact on staff morale and future enrolments.
Media Release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier & Jo Palmer, Minister for Education, 31 March 2026
Supporting Reading and Writing at Every Age
A new Tasmanian Government website is making it easier than ever for Tasmanians to access reading and writing support.
The Tasmanian Literacy Hub brings together practical guidance, information and services in one central online location, helping people quickly find the support they need to build their reading and writing skills and confidence.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the new Tasmanian Literacy Hub is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to lifting literacy outcomes across the state.
“It’s helping us deliver on our commitment to ensure every Tasmanian, regardless of age, background or where they live, has the literacy skills to succeed,” the Premier said.
“The Hub includes resources for people supporting others with reading and writing, as well as tools to help individuals build their own skills and confidence.
“It supports people at every stage – whether they’re helping a child, a friend or a family member, or looking to strengthen their own reading and writing.”
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said the Hub gives Tasmanians practical, easy to use support steps that can make a real difference in their everyday lives.
“Literacy is the foundation for learning, working and participating in community life,” Minister Palmer said.
“We rely on reading and writing skills every day – whether it’s shopping, using technology or supporting children with their homework. When people feel confident with these skills, it opens up more opportunities.
“Our Government is delivering for Tasmanians by making support more accessible and giving them the tools they need to build confidence and capability with reading and writing.”
For more information, visit the Tasmanian Literacy Hub website.
Media Release – Andrew Wilkie, Independent Member for Clark, 31 March 2026
Teachers Deserve Respect
Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, today delivered the following speech to Federal Parliament.
“On Thursday last week, instead of being in the classroom doing what they love and do best, Tasmanian public school teachers and thousands of other public sector workers rallied outside Parliament House in Hobart after the Tasmanian Education Union rejected the State Government’s most recent pay offer. Indeed the Union has slammed the offer as outrageous, on the basis that it falls well short in key areas of pay and workload relief. As a result all public schools were closed for the day.
“It’s a fact that Tasmanian teachers are amongst the lowest paid in the country, partly because the State Government is so out-of-touch with the day-to-day challenges experienced by teachers. Or should I say uncaring, because it’s no secret that the education system is strained, and that teachers face mounting difficulties like the increase in violence and disruption in the classroom, as well as the steep increase in after-hours work.
“It’s also no secret that the State Government is the architect of the ballooning budget debt crisis. But the Government’s mistakes should not be the public sector workforce’s problem. So I call on the Government to award our teachers and other public sector workers the pay and conditions they so clearly deserve, and to find more sensible and respectful cost-savings elsewhere. That’s how we say ‘thank you’ and recognise important jobs well done.”
The speech can be viewed here.
Media Release – Brian Mitchell MP, Shadow Minister for TAFE, Skills and Training, 2 April 2026
Building Workforce Report Puts Spotlight on Eric Abetz’ TAFE Cuts
A new HIA report outlining the importance of developing the construction workforce puts a spotlight on the Liberals’ planned cuts to TAFE at the hands of Eric Abetz.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that TAFE was planning wide-reaching cuts in order to achieve $45 million in savings.
This announcement came just six months after the Liberals scrapped the government subsidy for 12 courses.
TAFE is critical to solving Tasmania’s shortage of tradies, health workers, carers and early years educators.
It needs to be saved to help Tasmania’s future, not cut to pieces by Premier Rockliff and Eric Abetz to pay for 12 years Liberal waste.
Media Release – Josh Willie MP, Labor Leader, Shadow Minister for Education & Early Years, 7 April 2026
Extension School Numbers Expose More Liberal Waste
The Liberals’ stubborn persistence with their failing one-size-fits-all Year 11 and 12 high school extension program is adding to the mountain of waste they have racked up over 12 years in office, while Tasmania’s educational outcomes are showing little signs of improvement.
Right to Information data obtained by Labor shows that in 2025, the Government spent close to $7 million on 33 schools with less than five students in Year 12.
Ten of these schools had no students in Year 12 at all.
Extending high schools to Year 11 and 12 was one of the flagship policies of the Liberals when they first came to office 12 years ago.
It was presented as a silver bullet to fixing Tasmania’s deep-seated education issues, but has seen extremely low attendance and attainment rates recorded across many schools despite significant resources being poured in.
The Liberals famously promised that 75 per cent of Tasmanian students would be achieving a TCE by 2022 and they got nowhere near it. In fact, things have only got worse.
Retention rates are the worst of any state, sitting around 10 percentage points below the national average, while Year 12 completion rates are at their lowest level in many years, more than 20 per cent behind the rest of the country.
The Liberals also fell desperately short of meeting their 2020 target that Tasmania will be at or above the national standard in every NAPLAN measurement.
As a former teacher, I believe in the power of education and recognise the merit of making Years 11 and 12 available to regional students, but the Liberals’ one-size-fits-all approach is delivering more waste than outcomes.
Instead of throwing more good money after bad at the same time Eric Abetz is gutting TAFE and the public service, the extension school program needs to be reviewed, so each community can have a place based solution that works for them.
Media Release – Jo Palmer, Minister for Education, 7 April 2026
Backing All Tasmanians with Years 11 and 12
The Tasmanian Government is delivering real outcomes for students and families by backing Years 11 and 12 extension schools across the State.
Our commitment, in particular to rural and regional Tasmania, ensures young Tasmanians can complete their senior secondary education close to home, no matter where they live.
Extension schools are a proven success, expanding access to the Tasmanian Certificate of Education, and opening pathways to university, training and local jobs, particularly in regional and rural communities.
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said extension schools were about fairness, access and ambition.
“This Government is getting on with the job of delivering quality Years 11 and 12 education for all Tasmanians,” Minister Palmer said.
“Equity to education access means our students do not have to leave home, travel hours each day, or relocate just to finish Year 12, and that makes a real difference to participation, wellbeing and outcomes.”
Minister Palmer said the model was particularly critical for regional families facing cost-of-living pressures.
“Our Government has enabled Tasmanians to complete Year 12 as a first in families,” the Minister said.
“It is heartwarming to hear from young Tasmanians who are the first in their families to have completed Year 12, and our Government will continue to back this important policy.”
Tasmanian Labor’s policy would disadvantage regional Tasmanians and undo years of progress in educational equity.
“Those who talk about cutting or undermining extension schools are sending a clear message to regional students that their education matters less,” Minister Palmer said.
“Our Government believes that where you live should never limit your opportunities.”
The Tasmanian Government will continue to back extension schools, strengthen regional pathways, and deliver an education system that works for all Tasmanians.
Media Release – Jo Palmer, Minister for Education, Jacquie Petrusma, Liberal Member for Franklin, Jess Walsh, Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education, & Julie Collins, Federal Member for Franklin, 10 April 2026
Expanding Access to Early Education in the Huon Valley
The Australian and Tasmanian Governments along with the Huon Valley Council have reached an historic agreement under the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund to deliver a new early childhood education and care centre in the Huon Valley.
The Australian Government will contribute $5 million for this project through the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund, and the Tasmanian Government will also invest $5 million into the project.
The remaining funding will be provided by the Huon Valley Council.
The Huon Valley Council will deliver and run the service, which will see the construction of a new early childhood education and care facility on Department for Education, Children and Young People land adjacent to Huonville Primary School.
The new service will deliver up to 130 long day care places and 70 outside school hours care (OSHC) places, supporting up to 200 children in total.
Construction is expected to commence in January 2027 and be completed in March 2028.
Media Release – Meg Webb, Independent Member for Nelson, 12 April 2026
UTAS Bill Will Protect Only 14% of Sandy Bay Campus
Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today revealed the University of Tasmania (Protection of Land) Bill 2025 will allow the future sale of more than half the Sandy Bay campus contrary to the Tasmanian community’s understanding.
Ms Webb said there are serious questions over whether the Rockliff Government deliberately misled the community and Parliament or presided over an incompetent legislative error.
“The Rockliff Government’s so-called UTAS (Protection of Land) Bill will only protect approximately 14 hectares of the land at Sandy Bay – a miserly 14% of the current campus,” Ms Webb said.
“People have been allowed to believe that other than the parcels of land identified for rezoning for inner residential development the majority of the Sandy Bay campus will be protected with any future sale needing to come back to parliament for approval by both houses.
“Closer analysis of the Bill reveals this is not the case.
“Instead, the Bill creates three categories of land. The protected, the rezoned, and the unprotected.”
Ms Webb said the Government told the Legislative Council during debate on March 25 that the Bill would prevent the University: “from disposing of campus land at Sandy Bay without the approval of both houses of parliament. There are only two parcels of land exempt which we are looking to rezone”.
“The Minister is wrong. There is a further 57 percent of the current campus exempt from the requirement to come back to parliament for disposal.
“The Bill specifically defines the protected 14 percent of land, and also the 28 percent identified for rezoning, but is worryingly silent about the remaining undefined and unprotected 56 hectares between Churchill Avenue and Olinda Grove, which is approximately 57 percent of the current campus.
“That 57 percent of the current Sandy Bay campus will be left in unprotected limbo by the so-called Protection of Land Bill is scandalous.
“This is either a shocking oversight by the Government, or it has been a deliberate ploy.”
Ms Webb said the Government makes a lot of self-congratulatory noise about any future moves to sell the vested, or protected, land requiring approval by both Houses of Parliament, while failing to detail that 57 percent of the campus could be sold by the University without ever coming back to the parliament.
Ms Webb explained that Schedule 1 of the Bill only protects as Vested Land the 14 hectares between Sandy Bay Road and Churchill Avenue, excluding all of the remaining approximate 84 hectares between Churchill Avenue and Olinda Grove.
“Schedule 2 identifies a subset of land within that excluded from protection land above Churchill Avenue, totalling 28 hectares identified for rezoning and sale, leaving approximately 56 hectares of adjacent campus land outside both the rezoned and protected land categories.
“The fact the Government is still trying to say the current identified areas for rezoning are the only campus land exempt from the Bill’s protections, is either incompetence or a deliberate attempt to mislead the parliament and the community.
“This fiasco is a clear demonstration why the Parliament should not be used as a de facto planning body.
“If the University had been required to go through the standard planning processes when seeking to sell the identified campus areas, it is doubtful any planning authority would have left a 57 percent loophole.
“The Government must now explain whether this is intentional or a stuff up.
“The so-called UTAS Protection of Land Bill is more than just Orwellian, it is fundamentally flawed, and the revelation that 57 percent of the campus will be left unprotected demonstrates why Parliament should reject it.”
Media Release – Jo Palmer, Minister for Education, 13 April 2026
Concept Plans Released for Clarence High School Works
The concept plans for the $29 million redevelopment of Clarence High School have been released for public consultation.
The major upgrade of Clarence High School is part of the Tasmanian Government’s $188 million School Building Blitz, which will deliver significant improvements to 15 schools across the State.
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said the concept plans were informed by extensive consultation with students, staff and the local communities.
“Schools are at the centre of their communities, and it’s important they are shaped by the people who know them best,” Minister Palmer said.
“We are listening closely to students, teachers and families so their feedback can guide the design to ensure the upgraded facilities meet the needs of everyone who uses them every day, and I encourage everyone to have their say.
“The Tasmanian Government is getting on with the job of delivering new and upgraded education facilities for students and staff across the State.”
Community consultation on the concept plans is open until 22 May 2026.
To view the draft concept plan and artist impressions for Clarence High School and provide feedback, visit www.decyp.tas.gov.au/chs.
Media Release – Josh Willie MP, Labor Leader, 14 April 2026
Ellis Gaslighting Won’t Save TAFE from Abetz Cuts
As a former teacher, I believe in the power of education to change lives, change the community and change the economy.
The stats back that up when it comes to TAFE, with the latest Report on Government Services data showing that TAFE is a huge asset for the state and our future workforce.
That’s why it’s so unbelievable that Premier Rockliff and Eric Abetz are gutting TAFE, with the organisation tasked with finding $45 million in cuts to courses and jobs over the next four years.
It’s incredibly concerning that the Liberals don’t appear to have any modelling or advice about the impacts of their planned cuts, but Eric Abetz is pushing ahead anyway.
No amount of gaslighting from Felix Ellis will change the fact that the Liberals are seeking to cut $45 million worth of courses and jobs from TAFE.
Tasmania needs more tradies, more educators and more health workers and we need TAFE to train them.
TAFE needs to be saved from Premier Rockliff and Eric Abetz’s cuts.
Media Release – Brian Mitchell MP, Shadow Minister for TAFE, Skills and Training, 16 April 2026
Parliament Calls on Minister to Reverse TAFE Cuts
The Parliament has called on Minister for Skills and Jobs Felix Ellis to reverse the $45 million worth of cuts TasTAFE has been forced to find after 13 years of the Liberals.
Last night, a Labor motion calling on the Minister to reverse the cuts, while also ordering him to table full details of where the cuts will fall successfully passed the Lower House.
After 13 years of the Liberals, Tasmanians are paying for their waste through cuts to critical services like TasTAFE.
Premier Rockliff and Eric Abetz’ cuts will decimate courses, threaten jobs and undermine Tasmania’s skills pipeline.
Yet this week we’ve seen Minister Ellis refuse to acknowledge the impact, instead choosing to gaslight Tasmanians.
Labor’s motion will ensure he’s forced to come clean, so there’s at least some transparency about the Liberals’ plan to gut TasTAFE to pay for 13 years of waste.
Media Release – Josh Willie MP, Labor Leader, 20 April 2026
$24 Million in Liberal Education Cuts Revealed
Eric Abetz fought tooth and nail last week to keep the details of the Liberals massive cuts to essential services hidden from Tasmanians.
Now the details have seen the light of day, it’s easy to see why.
The documents, which had to be prised out of the Treasurer’s hands after he failed to comply with an order of the Parliament, reveal there were approximately $24 million worth of cuts to education this year alone – made up of $13.5 million in “Structural Savings” and $10.6 million in “One Off Savings”.
Most worryingly, the documents show $22.5 million of Eric Abetz’ cuts affect “in school education”, at a time when Tasmania’s education outcomes trail the nation.
The cuts included $5.7 million in salary savings including “targeted reductions” (aka jobs cuts), and $3.8 million in non-salary savings including “not passing on indexation” (aka school budgets not keeping pace with inflation).
These facts won’t be lost on an education workforce that has been disrespected for months as they fight for fair pay and conditions.
Eric Abetz has even cut $500,000 from the Student Assistance Scheme for disadvantaged families, showing he’ll stop at nothing in his quest to cut services from Tasmanians who need it most.
As a former teacher, I believe in the power of public education to build opportunities for all Tasmanians.
The Liberals have spent 13 years racking up waste, and now Eric Abetz is cutting the guts out of one of the most critical public services to pay for it.
Media Release – Brian Mitchell MP, Shadow Minister for TAFE, Skills, and Training, 22 April 2026
Letter Exposes Liberal Chaos on TAFE as Cuts Deepen
After 13 years of the Liberals, Tasmanians are paying for their waste through cuts to TAFE and jobs.
New correspondence from Skills Minister Felix Ellis has exposed the chaos at the heart of the Liberal Government’s TAFE cuts.
Last year, the Liberals cut laboratory technology courses at TasTAFE and sacked 18 staff – ripping away a proven training pathway that has supported Tasmanian industries for decades.
Now, a letter from Felix Ellis confirms the Government is scrambling to fix the mess it created – restoring funding for training but handing it to interstate private providers instead of simply reinstating the TasTAFE program.
This is a huge admission their original decision has blown up in their face.
TasTAFE has delivered laboratory training in Tasmania for decades, with the facilities, staff, and industry connections already in place.
Instead of backing that proven system, the Liberals are outsourcing training to mainland providers with no established links to Tasmanian employers.
It’s wasteful, it’s risky, and it’s putting the quality of training at risk. And this comes on top of the Liberals’ plan to rip $45 million out of TasTAFE over the next four years.
The Liberals should immediately reinstate laboratory technology courses at TasTAFE and abandon their plan to slash another $45 million.
Tasmanians deserve a government that backs local training, backs local jobs, and backs our future workforce.
Media Release – Australian Education Union, 24 April 2026
Secret Education Cuts and Minister’s Lies Exposed
The Australian Education Union has slammed Education Minister Jo Palmer after revelations her Government secretly cut $24 million from public education this financial year, directly contradicting her public promises.
The cuts include $22.5 million from in-school funding despite repeated assurances from Palmer that there would be no cuts to schools.
The AEU says the documents expose broken promises and raise serious questions about Palmer’s credibility as she seeks re-election.
“Jo Palmer told Tasmanians there would be no cuts to education. That was not true,” said AEU State Manager Brian Wightman.
“You cannot promise to protect schools in public and then strip millions out of the system behind closed doors.”
“Tasmanians deserve to know the truth about her record.”
Minister Palmer was revealed to have left millions of dollars in vacancies unfilled in a chronically understaffed system and withheld funding from school budgets, leaving schools worse off in the face of inflation.
The figures only became public after Treasurer Eric Abetz resisted their release, further fuelling concerns about transparency from the Minister.
Jo Palmer’s cuts have come at a time when schools are facing chronic workforce shortages and Tasmania’s education outcomes remain below the national average.
Media Release – Jo Palmer, Minister for Education, 27 April 2026
Teachers Secure Fair, Affordable Wage Agreement
Tasmanian teachers have strongly supported the new Teachers Agreement.
The Australian Education Union formally accepted the proposal on behalf of teachers on Monday.
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said the agreement recognises the important role teachers play in shaping young Tasmanians.
“We value the hard work of our teachers and school staff, and this agreement recognises the important role they play in our classrooms every day,” Minister Palmer said.
“This is a fair and affordable deal that provides long-term certainty, delivers meaningful pay increases, and improves conditions in key priority areas.”
The agreement includes salary increases of 3 per cent in the first year, 3 per cent in the second year, and 2.75 per cent in the third year.
A number of improved conditions and allowances have also been delivered as part of the good faith negotiations, including reductions to teacher workload, more school psychologists, improved student outcomes and professional support.
“This agreement has been achieved through constructive, good faith negotiations, with both parties committed to delivering the best outcome for teachers and students,” Minister Palmer said.
“Our Government is supporting teachers so they can focus on delivering a high-quality education for Tasmanian students.”
This agreement builds on agreements reached with police, firefighters, doctors, education facility attendants, dentists, allied health professionals and radiation therapists.
Media Release – Jo Palmer, Minister for Education, 29 April 2026
Helping Set New Teachers up for Success
The Tasmanian Government is strengthening support for early-career teachers through a new partnership to help them succeed from day one in the classroom.
The Initial Teacher Education Collaboration Agreement brings together the Tasmanian Government, education sectors and the University of Tasmania to better prepare future teachers and support them as they begin their careers.
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said we are working together to ensure teachers are delivering improved student outcomes through targeted initiatives such as Lifting Literacy.
“We know students thrive when their teachers feel confident, supported and ready for the classroom,” Minister Palmer said.
“This agreement focusses on strengthening how teachers are prepared and supported from the very start of their careers, ensuring we are delivering for students.”
The agreement delivers on the findings of the Independent Review of Education in Tasmania, which identified the need for stronger collaboration between the education system and the University.
“The Independent Review made it clear we must work more closely with the University of Tasmania to ensure new teachers are prepared for all aspects of the role,” Minister Palmer said.
“This agreement was developed with the Government, Catholic and Independent school sectors and will improve collaboration, help prepare teachers for their careers across Tasmania’s education system, and improve outcomes for students.
“Our Government is delivering for Tasmanians by supporting new teachers to succeed in the classroom, and lifting literacy outcomes for students.”
Media Release – Jo Palmer, Minister for Education, 30 April 2026
Free Training to Support Early Childhood Educators to Become Lifting Literacy Champions
The Tasmanian Government is delivering a stronger Early Childhood Education and Care sector by giving educators the tools they need to increase workforce capability and improve outcomes for children.
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said as part of the Government’s commitment to Lifting Literacy, new Birth to Five Literacy Training Modules were released last year to help early years educators.
“These Qualiteach training modules offer educators practical, evidence based tools they can start using straight away to support children’s learning,” Minister Palmer said.
“When we strengthen early language and literacy skills, we give children the foundation they need for lifelong learning.”
To further support educators to respond to local needs, additional professional learning modules funded through the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) are now available.
These modules help educators better understand and apply AEDC data to inform practice and support children’s development.
Early Childhood Education and Care services that achieve at least 85 per cent educator completion of the Qualiteach modules are invited to self nominate to be recognised as Lifting Literacy Champions.
While services that complete both sets of modules can be celebrated as Super Lifting Literacy Champions.
Smithton Giggles Early Learning and West Moonah Hilliard Christian School Early Learning have been recognised as Lifting Literacy Champions for their strong commitment to building early language and literacy skills.
Champion services will receive certificates acknowledging their achievement, while Super Champions will also receive a book package complete with supporting teaching strategies.
Both sets of modules are designed for educators to complete at their own pace.
More information is available on the Department for Education, Children and Young People website.
Media Release – Jo Palmer, Minister for Education, 5 May 2026
Construction Starting on New Teacher Residences at Smithton
The Tasmanian Government is delivering new and improved teacher residences across the State, with construction works set to begin on four new teacher residences at Smithton.
This investment supports teacher recruitment and retention opportunities in regional and remote communities.
Local building contractor Bishop Constructions will deliver the works, which will provide teachers with four modern, fit-for-purpose residences on Massey Street, Smithton.
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said the new residences are part of the Tasmanian Government’s $15 million Teacher Residences Program.
“Our teachers are at the heart of every classroom, and making sure they have access to quality housing is a practical way we can attract more teachers to our regional and remote areas, while supporting them to stay long-term,” Minister Palmer.
“We know students thrive when their teachers feel confident, supported and ready for the classroom.
“Our Government is delivering for Tasmanians by strengthening teacher recruitment and retention and lifting literacy outcomes for students across the State.”
The Teacher Residences Program has also delivered the refurbishment of 21 existing teacher residences at Queenstown earlier this year.
Refurbishments to two teacher residences on King Island have also recently been delivered through a separate funding source.
Additional new teacher residences will be constructed at Queenstown, Scottsdale and on Flinders Island, with planning work for new residences on Flinders Island now underway.
Media Release – Josh Willie MP, Labor Leader, 6 May 2026
Cuts to 56 TasTAFE Jobs, Courses Just the Tip of the Iceberg
Minister Felix Ellis has pointedly failed to rule out further job and course cuts at TasTAFE as Eric Abetz takes a knife to the critical training organisation to pay for 13 years of Liberal waste.
Documents tabled in Parliament last night confirmed at least 56 TasTAFE staff are being sacked and several courses are being cut.
After 13 years of Liberal waste, TasTAFE has confirmed it needs to find $45 million in savings, and it’s inevitable there will be further cuts to come to meet this target.
Only the Liberals would cut experienced TAFE staff while spending $95,000, roughly the cost of a teacher’s salary, on a brand ambassador.
The Government has not explained how much taxpayers will pay in redundancy costs, or how much of its claimed savings will be wiped out by sacking experienced TasTAFE staff.
Tasmania needs tradies, health workers, aged carers, early childhood educators, agricultural workers and skilled staff across regional industries like manufacturing. These cuts include the Adult Migrant English Program, which helps migrant workers build the English skills they need to participate in Tasmania’s workforce and community.
If Minister Ellis truly believes TasTAFE provides essential training universities cannot, why is his Government cutting the teachers, funding and courses needed to deliver it?
Skilled industries need skilled workers, trained by skilled teachers.
After 13 years of Liberal waste, Premier Rockliff has put Eric Abetz in charge of cutting critical services like TasTAFE to pay for it.
TasTAFE needs to be saved from Premier Rockliff and Eric Abetz’s cuts so we can train the workforce Tasmania needs.
Media Release – Jo Palmer, Minister for Education, 7 May 2026
Expanding Vocational Learning in Tasmanian Schools
The Tasmanian Government is delivering more vocational learning opportunities to Year 9 and 10 students, with the Youth Career Facilitator program expanding to the south as part of the Youth Jobs Strategy.
Following a competitive tender process, Hobart based not for profit, Home Base (formerly known as Colony 47), has been selected to work with Southern schools, students and employers to build career pathways in high demand industries.
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said the Youth Career Facilitator program is delivering on the Government’s commitment to strengthen industry connections for students, giving them practical and on-the-job experience.
“By strengthening partnerships between schools, industry and community organisations, we’re building a skills pipeline that supports young people today while meeting Tasmania’s workforce needs into the future,” Minister Palmer said.
“The Youth Career Facilitator program has delivered strong results in the North, and we’re proud to see it now reach every corner of the state. Southern Tasmania will have the opportunity to build real connections with local industries through this partnership with Home Base.
“Our Government is delivering the opportunities young Tasmanians need to thrive, helping them gain the skills, confidence and connections to succeed beyond school.”
The Youth Career Facilitator South is a key action under the Government’s Youth Jobs Strategy, which sets out a plan to connect young people with employment, training and career pathways across the State.
It will target a 50 per cent increase of senior secondary students undertaking VET programs by 2030.
Currently 20 per cent of senior secondary students study VET at Tasmanian Government schools.
Home Base CEO, Dianne Underwood, said the program will ensure young people have a connected and coordinated pathway from school through to employment.
“We want every young Tasmanian to have genuine options when it comes to their future,” Ms Underwood said.
“By connecting them with real employment pathways, we’re helping them build confidence, contribute to their communities, and create a strong foundation for life.
“Supporting young people in this way is an investment in Tasmania’s future.”
Schools and employers in southern Tasmania interested in getting involved can visit www.decyp.tas.gov.au/learning/vocational-learning/youth-career-facilitator or contact Home Base directly.
Media Release – Tabatha Badger, Greens Skills and Training Spokesperson, 7 May 2026
At Least $20 Million More TasTAFE Cuts Coming
In response to questioning from the Greens in Parliament, the Minister for Skills and Training has provided further information on the $45 million TasTAFE cuts. Shockingly, the Minister confirmed there’s at least $20 million more cuts to come, with more jobs, courses, and public campuses are on the chopping block.
It was clear as day that the cuts listed in the document tabled on Tuesday night didn’t come close to the $45 million in savings the TasTAFE CEO is seeking. Under Greens questions’ the Minister has revealed the cuts he tabled only add up to about $25 million.
But given many of the cuts tabled like arts and lab tech courses were pre-existing, it’s unclear whether they’ll contribute to the $45 million saving goal, or are additional to it. The question remains why the Minister can’t tell Tasmanian where the full extent of the $45 million in saving will be found.
In recent weeks we’ve heard about the privatisation and leasing of TasTAFE buildings. These details weren’t in the Ministers tabled document. Is this part of the further savings TasTAFE plan to make?
Tasmanians, students and teachers at TasTAFE are rightly concerned and anxious about the cuts still to come. When will other staff and students learn of their future at TasTAFE?
It’s beyond time for Minister Ellis to start being open with the Tasmanians who need affordable, accessible public training in TasTAFE. What other campuses, courses and jobs will be cut at TasTAFE?
Media Release – Jo Palmer, Minister for Education & Jess Walsh, Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education, 8 May 2026
Architect Appointed for New Westbury Education and Care Facility
The delivery of a new education and care facility at Westbury is a step closer, with the appointment of an architect for the project.
Local Tasmanian architectural firm David Denman and Associates has been appointed to lead the design of the new $5 million early learning facility.
The new facility will be built at Westbury Primary School, delivering 36 much-needed additional early childhood education and care places for local families.
Construction is expected to commence in mid-2027 and be completed in 2028.
The project is a partnership between the Australian and Tasmanian Governments with an investment through $1 billion Building Early Education Fund.
The Australian Government Fund provides capital to build or expand early learning services in areas of greatest need, including regional communities like Westbury, helping families access quality early learning closer to home.
These investments will support workforce participation, strengthen regional communities, and help ensure more children get the best possible start in life.
More information about the Building Early Education Fund is available at: Building Early Education Fund.
Media Release – Jo Palmer, Minister for Education, 14 May 2026
Concept Plans Released for North West Support School
The next step towards delivering modern and fit-for purpose facilities for the North West Support School community is underway with concept plans for the $62.15 million redevelopment released for public consultation.
The redevelopment includes significant upgrades to the Burnie campus and a new purpose-built Devonport campus to be built at 3-9 Mersey Main Road, Spreyton, to replace the current facility in Middle Road.
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said the Tasmanian Government is getting on with the job of delivering new and upgraded education facilities for students and staff across the state.
“Support schools cater for students with significant disability, offering comprehensive individual learning in a caring and respectful environment, and these new facilities will support learning, wellbeing and independence, making a real difference for students and their families,” Minister Palmer said.
“Community consultation has already helped shape these plans and we will continue working closely with the community to get this right.”
The new hydrotherapy pools will made available for community use outside of school hours, and this community use will be managed in liaison with Department of Health. Separate external accesses to the pools have been incorporated into their design to ensure no impact to school operations.
Community consultation on the concept plans is open until 12 June 2026.
To view the draft concept plan and artist impressions for the new Devonport campus and provide feedback, visit www.decyp.tas.gov.au/project/north-west-support-school-devonport/.
To view the draft concept plan and artist impressions for the Burnie campus and provide feedback, visit www.decyp.tas.gov.au/project/north-west-support-school-devonport-2/.
