Independent Review the Only Way Forward Due to Breakdown in Trust Between Premier and Teachers
www.tas.greens.org.au
The Tasmanian Greens today said that it is time for Premier David Bartlett to listen to Tasmanian teachers and school staff, rather than focussing on politically motivated personal attacks on his political opponents.
Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that the teachers’ vote next week on possible strike action comes at the worst possible time in the school year, with exams just around the corner, but that the problem is of Mr Bartlett’s own making.
“It’s time for the Premier to swallow his pride and start listening to teachers and school staff.”
“The solutions will only be found through a genuine process of engagement and consultation, starting with teachers and staff who, quite understandably, feel as if they have been ignored by this Premier.”
“Given the breakdown in trust between the Premier and education professionals, the best way forward is for a review of Tasmania Tomorrow featuring a genuine consultation process and conducted by an independent person who can come in and recommend solutions to the problems Mr Bartlett has created.”
“Teachers always put the welfare of their students first and for them to be contemplating strike action at such a crucial time in the school year shows just how bad things are.”
“The students currently suffering in Mr Bartlett’s post year ten debacle are the same cohort who were experimented on by Labor during the bungled implementation of Essential Learnings. They are Labor’s guinea pigs, and their education has suffered as a result.”
“Rather than obsessing over his personal attacks on his political opponents, Mr Bartlett should be rolling up his sleeves and focussing on finding solutions for the post year ten sector.”
Mr McKim reiterated the Greens position that no campus should be forced into Tasmania Tomorrow at any time in the future without the majority support of teachers, staff, and the school community.
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader
