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Education


Doctor with Patient

Greens Release Plan for Healthy Essential Workforce

For a healthy, inclusive lutruwita/Tasmania, that genuinely leaves no one behind, we need a strong, well-resourced and valued public service.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  31 May 2023


Green Economics

Alternative Budget 2023-24

Our Alternative Budget lays out an evidence-backed plan for real climate action and the restoration of Nature, giving hope for the future.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Policies  |  31 May 2023


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Retaining Essential Workers

We need a plan to attract and retain the essential workers who hold the fabric of our society together.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Policies  |  31 May 2023


Coronavirus

Public Schools Should Lead on Masks as Covid Surges

The Friends’ School’s decision to recommend students wear masks is sensible, given the current surge in Covid Australia-wide, including Tasmania.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  19 May 2023


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Premier Must Apologise to School Staff

The Tasmanian Liberals’ inane, childish & inflammatory social media attack on the AEU is an insult to every teacher & school support worker

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  9 Mar 2023


Education, Textbook and Laptop

Tasmania Gets Poor Marks in Education

It’s clear the Rockliff government must do more to improve educational outcomes for children and young people.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  7 Feb 2023


University of Tasmania

University of Tasmania - Public Confidence

In your answer, you said UTAS is a private organisation and suggested there was no role for your Government. That is not quite true, is it?

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  8 Nov 2022


University of Tasmania

Rockliff Hands-Off on UTAS Future

As Premier and former Education Minister, Jeremy Rockliff should be invested in future of the University of Tasmania.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  8 Nov 2022


University of Tasmania

UTAS - Relocation and Course Quality

While the vote is not finalised, it looks increasingly likely that the people of Hobart have rejected the UTAS takeover of the city.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  27 Oct 2022


University of Tasmania

Has UTAS Lost its Way?

The Tasmanian Greens strongly support UTAS staff taking industrial action today.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  13 Oct 2022


Empty Classroom

Education Resources - Proposed Stadium Development

Students are waiting for assessments or support from school social workers, psychologists, and speech and language pathologists.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  28 Sep 2022


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Greens Stand in Solidarity with Education Staff

​​​​​​​The Greens proudly stand with the Australian Education Union, teachers, and support staff who stopped work and rallied around the state this morning

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  28 Sep 2022


Parliament House, Tasmania

Springvale Student Accommodation - Closure

What the House needs to understand is that it is the Education minister's decision alone which lead to the closure of the Springvale Student Accommodation.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  23 Aug 2022


House of Assembly, Tasmania

Accommodation for Remote and Rural Students

As you know, there are comprehensive hostels for remote and rural students in Hobart. Springvale Student Residence is set to close.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  18 Aug 2022


Happy Children, Playing with Parents

Estimates Reply - Jaensch

We started our questioning of Minister Jaensch around evidence that was given to the commission of inquiry.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  16 Jun 2022


Police Officers in High Visibility Vests

Police, Fire and Emergency Management – Rokeby Academy Grounds

Minister, this is another issue in relation to the Rokeby Academy grounds.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  9 Jun 2022


Money, Australian Dollars, Notes

Police, Fire and Emergency Management – HECS Fees

HECS fees - they were previously covered but I understand that they're now going to be charged to recruits for training.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  9 Jun 2022


Empty Classroom

Children, Education and Youth – Covid in Schools

I want to talk about the department and your response to the very high transmission rates of COVID-19 within Tasmanian schools.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  8 Jun 2022


Economy, Finance, Calculator, Pen and Graph

Children, Education and Youth – Education Funding

Funding for Education has increased about 5 per cent in year 1, but, that is not actually new money and it diminishes over the forward Estimates.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  8 Jun 2022


Justice, Scales and Gavel

Children, Education and Youth – Commission of Inquiry

Minister, I want to talk to you about some evidence that was given to the commission of inquiry by Sonya Enkelmann.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  8 Jun 2022


Parliament House, Tasmania

Corrections and Rehabiliation – Education Opportunities

The list of available study options was dishearteningly short and included a basic high school standards skills course and a White Card course.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  6 Jun 2022


University of Tasmania

Trade – International Student Strategy

How do you reconcile this with the fact that UTAS's current approach is to wind back its reliance on international students, particularly from mainland China?

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  6 Jun 2022


Coronavirus

100,000+ Reasons to Mask Up

Today Tasmania’s Covid case count is over 100,000. In real terms, that means about 1 in 5 Tasmanians has been infected.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  6 Apr 2022


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Liberals’ Updated High Risk Covid Schools Plan

The Gutwein Government’s “updated’ Covid school plan denies the reality of massive case numbers in unprotected children.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  8 Mar 2022


Doctor with Patient

Gutwein Reckless Considering End to Mask Mandate

We are unsurprised at the Liberals’ plan to ditch mandatory check-ins, but the Premier’s indication he will consider dropping mask mandates is alarming.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  18 Feb 2022


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Transparency Needed on School Covid Numbers

We are calling on the Gutwein Government to be transparent about Covid case numbers in schools.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  16 Feb 2022


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Unsafe Rush to Face to Face Learning Has Predictable Outcome

School has been back for less than a week and seven Tasmanian schools have reported Covid outbreaks

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  15 Feb 2022


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Students Back to School and At Covid Risk

Many parents will be stressed sending their children to school today, as will teachers returning to the classroom.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  9 Feb 2022


Empty Classroom

Courtney Should Resign After She Recovers and Returns

Sarah Courtney has failed as Education Minister.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  2 Feb 2022


Hospital Bed

Greens Release Plan to Flatten the Curve and Save Lives

Lutruwita/Tasmania needs to flatten the curve to save lives and livelihoods.The Greens’ plan puts the health and safety of Tasmanians and local businesses first

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  1 Feb 2022


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Denny NAPLAN Report an Indictment on Liberal Government

Dr Lisa Denny’s report on a decade of NAPLAN data paints a devastating picture of education in the state.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  31 Jan 2022


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

School Start Plan Unsafe

The plan Premier Gutwein has announced for Tasmania's education system is a plan to keep schools open, not a plan to keep schools safe. 

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  21 Jan 2022


Education, Textbook and Laptop

Education Minister MIA

Parents are anxious to hear the Government’s COVID safe schools plans. But instead of overseeing this critical task, Minister Sarah Courtney has gone on holiday

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  19 Jan 2022


Education, Textbook and Laptop

Gutwein Government Has No Apparent Plan for Preventing Covid in Students with Disability

It’s imperative the government release its plan for how it proposes to keep students with disability safe when school returns - if it has one

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  14 Jan 2022


Doctor with Face Mask

As Covid Surges, Serious Questions Remain Over School Return

Education Minister Courtney needs to explain in detail how children can be kept safe in our schools during this escalating Covid outbreak

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  10 Jan 2022


Education, Textbook and Laptop

Education Legislation Amendments (Education Regulations) Bill 2021

Every Tasmanian parent and student wants to know that the best quality, most effectively regulated education system, is there for them.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  11 Nov 2021


Legislation, Clause Being Highlighted

Department of Education - Responses to Child Sexual Abuse - Legal Advice

What advice did you receive that meant you could not release the same full redacted report that was released to the ABC?

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  11 Nov 2021


Bureaucracy, Professional with Paperwork

Department of Education - Responses to Child Sexual Abuse - Release of Report

rofessors Smallbone and McCormack's full report of the inquiry points to a culture of cover up in the Department of Education.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  11 Nov 2021


Bureaucracy, Professional with Paperwork

Department of Education - Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

The report of the inquiry reveals a culture of cover-up within the Department of Education that persists to this day.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  10 Nov 2021


Justice, Scales and Gavel

Department of Education - Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

The full report for the inquiry into sexual abuse in the State public public school system was received by the department nearly five months ago.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  10 Nov 2021


Vocational Training, Man Teaching Young Man Woodwork

TasTAFE (Skills and Training Business) Bill 2021

The Tasmanian Greens do not support the Government’s position to make TasTAFE a Government Business Enterprise.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Submission  |  5 Oct 2021


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Estimates Reply – Minister Courtney

I talked to Ms Courtney, as Education minister, about the concerning low investment in literacy in Tasmania.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  15 Sep 2021


Empty Classroom

Education - Speech Pathologists

How many schools is one speech pathologist responsible for, on average?

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  7 Sep 2021


Happy Children, Playing with Parents

Education - Child and Family Learning Centre Specialist Staff

The Budget provides funding to replicate the support and wellbeing team model in the Child and Family Learning Centres.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  7 Sep 2021


Empty Classroom

Education - Trauma Programs

Last year's budget didn't include a budget line for trauma programs, but talked about an increase in total annual funding to $4 million a year.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  7 Sep 2021


Person with Disability with his Parents

Education - Disability Funding

How many students with disability are currently enrolled in Tasmanian schools, including those who don't receive funding under the reasonable adjustment model?

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  7 Sep 2021


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Education - Literacy

There is no doubt that teachers are doing extraordinary work and we all thank them for what they do, teaching our children.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  7 Sep 2021


Education, Textbook and Laptop

South Hobart Primary School - Library

Last year in Estimates, Dr Woodruff raised the issue of the South Hobart Primary School library and this matter has, regrettably, not been resolved.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  31 Aug 2021


Chinese Flag

Estimates Reply – Deputy Premier Rockliff

I will simply point out to the House that to rely overly heavily on a vindictive regime like the Chinese Government is not in Tasmania's best interests.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  2 Dec 2020


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Estimates Reply – Deputy Premier Rockliff

There is an intersection between Education and many other portfolio responsibilities of this Government, not least that of Mental Health and Wellbeing.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  2 Dec 2020


Empty Classroom

Education - TasTAFE

$1 million is being give to the industry for skills training that has got no quality assessment, no accreditation package, no certificate.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  24 Nov 2020


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Education – South Hobart Primary School

The South Hobart Primary School has grown hugely over the last 10 years and due to the extra number of students there now two additional classes are needed.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  24 Nov 2020


Empty Classroom

Education – Speech Pathology

The expected literacy outcomes for prep students are sharply declining and reading rates to the national minimum standard are also declining.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  24 Nov 2020


Education, Textbook and Laptop

Education – Years 11 and 12

Elizabeth College is renowned for some amazing, high quality programs, including and especially its music program.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  24 Nov 2020


Justice, Scales and Gavel

Education – Sexual Abuse Claims

James Griffin had been working between 1986 and 1997 at UTAS as a maintenance officer. That was before he worked at the Launceston General Hospital.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  24 Nov 2020


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Speech Pathologist Investment Lacking in School Literacy Goal

The government’s goal of 100% literacy is laudable, but hollow and meaningless if it’s not supported by the resources required to get there.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  24 Nov 2020


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Government Must Invest in Speech Pathologists to Achieve 100% Literacy Target

The Government’s 100% functional literacy target is welcome, but will remain aspirational without investment in recruiting and retaining speech pathologists. 

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  1 Sep 2020


Education, Textbook and Laptop

Greens Welcome Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in State Schools

The Greens welcome the Deputy Premier and Education Minister’s announcement of an independent inquiry into child sexual abuse in state schools.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  27 Aug 2020


Bushfire, Active Blaze

PESRAC Report Ignores Climate Emergency

Tasmanians have been sadly let down by the Premier’s Economic and Social Recovery Advisory Council.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  21 Jul 2020


Doctor with Patient

Government Must Prioritise Respiratory Health Housing Refits

The reports of respiratory illness from a Housing Tasmania complex in South Hobart are distressing.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  3 Jul 2020


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Greens Thank Teachers on Public Education Day

On Public Education Day, the Greens thank all teachers and support staff in the public system for the dedicated, tireless work they do.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  28 May 2020


Four Young People Sitting on Ledge

Leaders Must Listen to Young People in COVID-19 Rebuild

The Greens welcome the Commissioner for Children and Young People’s 'Listening to Children and Young People in Tasmania Report 2019'.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  14 May 2020


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Back To School Challenges for Teachers and Parents

Confusion still reigns in school communities and many teachers are highly stressed as Term 2 starts.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  28 Apr 2020


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Caution Urged on Term 2 Return

The Greens acknowledge the decision to reopen schools after the break for the children of essential workers and disadvantaged students.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  16 Apr 2020


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Tasmanian Students Should be Provided Laptops

It’s vital the government supports families without computer or internet access by providing laptops and WiFi for the duration of COVID-19.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  7 Apr 2020


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Principals Association Confirms Climate Anxiety in Primary Schools

The Australian Primary Principals Association has found nearly two thirds of schools say they have insufficient resources to deal with anxiety in students.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  25 Feb 2020


Vocational Training, Man Teaching Young Man Woodwork

TASC Must Review Questionable Assessments and Improve Its Systems

Hundreds of VET students across Tasmania are likely affected by yet another stuff up in the Tasmanian Assessment Standards and Certification assessments.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  20 Dec 2019


Degraded Landscape, Midlands, Tasmania

TAFE Tasmania

This is a very interesting and significant debate, particularly for young Tasmanians who are looking for affordable public vocational training options.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  16 Oct 2019


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Extension School Program

Madam Speaker, I always have great faith in our young people, in their capacity to learn and to grow and to be active in our community and to drive change.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  25 Sep 2019


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Estimates Reply - Deputy Premier

There is a truly outstanding range of depth and rich variety of courses young adults can choose from in year 11 and 12.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  12 Jun 2019


Green Economics

Budget Reply Speech

Cassy O'Connor delivers a budget reply speech for the 2019-20 state Budget, and speaks to alternative policies in the Greens' Alternative Budget.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  29 May 2019


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

AEU Executive Decision on Pay Offer

The Greens welcome the progress between the AEU Executive and the government on wages policy.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  10 May 2019


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Labor's Education Policy Insufficient and Disingenuous

Labor’s education plan is insufficient, lazy policy that’s extremely disingenuous. They have let down educators, the AEU, and Tasmanian children.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  6 Feb 2018


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Hodgman Must Abandon Cheap Tactics

Premier Will Hodgman has claimed the recent Australian Education Union report was “Fake News”.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  12 Dec 2017


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

East Derwent Primary School and Jordan River Learning Federation - Community Safety Maps

The East Derwent Primary School worked with Colony 47, Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the Smith Family to create community safety maps.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  1 Nov 2017


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Rockliff Fails to Explain $188K Payment to TasTAFE CEO

TasTAFE's former CEO received a $188 000 separation payment despite being the subject of a damning Integrity Commission investigation.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  2 Nov 2017


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Liberals Shoot the Messenger on Education Shortfall

Independent analyst, Martyn Goddard, found state-educated students in Tasmania were being short-changed every year by an average of $908 each.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  27 Oct 2017


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Early Years Education - Allocation of Funds

Andrea Dawkins questions the Minister for Education over the allocation of early years education funding.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  15 Aug 2017


Person with Disability with his Parents

Disability Education Snapshot Shows Liberals' Continued Failure

Today’s snapshot from The Tasmanian Disability Education Reform Lobby continues to paint a picture of chronically underfunded class rooms.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  28 Aug 2017


Happy Children, Playing with Parents

Lower School Starting Age Funding Must be Invested in Early Education

After more than 12 months of community outrage, the Liberals’ decision to remove their lower school starting age from Education Act changes is welcome.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  15 Aug 2017


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

TasTAFE Investigation Highlights Need for Crime of Misconduct in Public Office

The investigation into TasTAFE has highlighted the need for there to be a crime of misconduct in public office on the Tasmanian statutes.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  5 Jul 2017


Green Economics

State Budget Response

Having slashed funding to essential services in their first Budget, now the Liberals are trying to repair some of the damage.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  25 May 2017


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Integrity Commission Report into TasTafe CEO

The Greens referred concerns about the governance of TasTafe to the Integrity Commission after serious allegations were raised with our office early last year.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  23 May 2017


Money, Australian Dollars, Notes

Federal Budget Fails Tasmania

Tasmania missed out any substantial infrastructure investment as a result of the Hodgman Liberals' failure.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  10 May 2017


Fish Farm in Okehampton Bay, Tasmania

Greens Launch Candidate for Lyons

The Tasmanian Greens are delighted to announce that Fraser Brindley will be the Greens’ lead candidate for the key seat of Lyons in the upcoming State election.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  30 Apr 2017


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Hodgman Government Caves to Extreme Right and Axes Safe Schools

The Hodgman Government's decision to scrap funding for the Safe Schools' program is a sure sign the Government has caved in to pressure from Senator Abetz.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  19 Apr 2017


Person with Disability with his Parents

Greens Call for Better Support for Students with Disabilities

In Greens’ Private Members Time this week, we’ll move to affirm the rights of all Tasmanian students to a quality education.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  10 Apr 2017


Construction, Work Site

Hodgman Must Stand Up for Northern Maritime Jobs

The Australian Maritime College in Launceston is the national centre of naval expertise.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  29 Mar 2017


Drugs

Hodgman Needs To Lead Drug Law Reform

The Australia 21 Report, authored by former Premiers and Police Commissioners, has called for tackling drug use as a health issue rather than a criminal one.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  21 Mar 2017


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Rockliff Must Investigate Biddulph Gag

The Education Minister must immediately investigate the full circumstances which led to the attempted gag of Steve Biddulph.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  2 Mar 2017


Happy Children, Playing with Parents

Liberals Should Commit to Continuing Child and Family Centre Roll Out

Child and Family Centres are key social infrastructure that strengthen family connections and engage parents in their child's learning.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  5 Feb 2017


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

NAPLAN Highlights Need for Equality in Education

Postcode is still having a significant effect on students’ ability to learn and perform well in NAPLAN.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  13 Dec 2016


Four Young People Sitting on Ledge

Liberals Cave to Extreme Right on Safe Schools

At their State Council meeting today, the Tasmania Liberals passed a Motion to abolish the Safe Schools program.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  5 Nov 2016


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Education Bill Has Gaping Holes

All Tasmanians want to see education outcomes improve, but the Liberals' Education Bill has some gaping holes.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  21 Sep 2016


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Education Act Changes Need Full Community Support

The Greens look forward to seeing the government's final amendments to the Education Act when it's tabled in Parliament this week.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  18 Sep 2016


Drugs

Ice Use Needs Government-Wide Action

The Police Association’s concern about the increase in crimes against people in the last year should be taken seriously by the Government.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  29 Aug 2016


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Tasmanian Schools Targeted in Overseas Pornography Ring

Reports emerged yesterday of two Tasmanian schools being targeted in an overseas pornography ring.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  17 Aug 2016


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Back Down on Lower School Age Welcomed

We welcome the Education Minister's announcement that he will abandon plans to lower the compulsory school starting age.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  18 Aug 2016


Child, Shadow

International Child Exploitation Ring in Tasmanian Schools

It's very disturbing news that two Tasmanian schools have been named in the international child exploitation ring.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  17 Aug 2016


Happy Children, Playing with Parents

Greens Release Alternative to Lower School Age Policy Initiative

Public concern is growing over the Liberal Government's plan to lower the mandatory school starting age.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  6 Aug 2016


Green Economics

State Budget: Address in Reply

It continues a long-standing tradition of the Tasmanian Greens to present an alternative vision for the future of Tasmania.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  31 May 2016


Happy Children, Playing with Parents

Rockliff Feels Heat on Education Act Changes

The Minister of Education tried to reassure Tasmanian parents about changes to the Education Act, due to be debated in the next session of Parliament.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  14 Jun 2016


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Rockliff Misleading Over Teacher Numbers

Government figures specify the number of full time teachers in the Department of Education at 4,555 in June 2014 and 4,396 in June 2015.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  8 Jun 2016


LGBTI Flags

LGBTI Issues: Ultimate Support for a Simple Life

I rise tonight to respond to parliamentary secretary Mr Barnett's adjournment speech last evening on Safe Schools and his continued attack on LGBTI issues.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  1 Jun 2016


Green Economics

Tasmanian Greens' Alternative Budget

We recognise that genuine planning for the 21st century requires a long term vision and the courage to make bold decisions to drive change.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  31 May 2016


Four Young People Sitting on Ledge

My Education Website Poor Alternative to Pathway Planners

Students, parents and educators were shocked when the Government axed the highly effective pathway planners in 2014.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  26 May 2016


Air View of Houses

Multicultural Friends of Parliament

The specific purpose of the Multicultural Friends of Parliament was to listen to the concerns and to the views of communities.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  25 May 2016


Economy, Finance, Calculator, Pen and Graph

Federal Budget 2016: Premier Says Eslake, TasCOSS, Anglicare Are Wrong

Economist Saul Eslake agrees that Tuesday's budget contains little for Tasmania, and TASCOSS and Anglicare have given the federal budget a big thumbs down.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  5 May 2016


Money, Australian Dollars, Notes

Federal Budget Education Fail

The Federal Budget handed down last night completely fails to deliver the crucial years 5 and 6 of Gonski for Tasmanian schools.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  4 May 2016


Economy, Finance, Calculator, Pen and Graph

Premier's Failure in Canberra Sees Tasmania Left Off the Budget Map

There was nothing in the Federal Budget for Tasmania's education system, no extra funding for years 5 and 6 of Gonski.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  4 May 2016


Empty Classroom

State Schools Ignored by Liberals

That the Coalition Federal government have only committed to funding the Gonski reforms to the end of 2016-17.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  6 Apr 2016


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Premier Must Stand Up for Schools at COAG

Prime Minister Turnbull's attack on our public education funding would be crippling for Tasmania. Premier Hodgman needs to defend our schools staunchly at COAG.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  31 Mar 2016


Empty Classroom

Liberal Policy Shouldn't Undermine Education Further

The announcement that the government will raise leaving requirement of students to Year 12 or a Certificate Three presents the ultimate test.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  9 Mar 2016


LGBTI Flags

More State Support for Safe Schools Needed

Minister Rockliff and the state government should send Prime Minister Turnbull a strong message, by increasing support for the Safe Schools program.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  28 Feb 2016


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

More Schools Should Be Safe Schools

The federal government's attack on the Safe Schools Coalition is threatening the safety of young LGBTI people in Tasmania.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  24 Feb 2016


Vocational Training, Man Teaching Young Man Woodwork

VET Fee Caps - Deregulation By Stealth?

Changes to VET Fee-Help (VFH) mean that many TasTAFE courses won't be filled for the year ahead.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  24 Feb 2016


Vocational Training, Man Teaching Young Man Woodwork

Time to Support TAFE, not Deregulate

The leaked TAFE plans point to the removal of state responsibility for TAFE,  under a new Federal government plan to deregulate the sector.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  4 Feb 2016


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Schools Still Hurting from Cuts

Cuts to teacher numbers since the Liberal government took the axe to education should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind this week.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  1 Feb 2016


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Transparency on Education Secretary's Appointment Crucial

The government needs to be completely open about the appointment of the new Secretary of the Department of Education.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  23 Dec 2015


Money, Australian Dollars, Notes

Tasmania Report Presents Multiple Challenges for the State

The TCCI 'Tasmania Report 2015' is a welcome, evidence-based contribution to the debate about how we, as a state, improve our economic self sufficiency.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  9 Dec 2015


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Beresford Wins Tasmanian Book Prize

The Tasmanian Greens MPs enthusiastically congratulate Quentin Beresford on winning the Tasmania Book Prize with his  book, The Rise and Fall of Gunns Limited.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  3 Dec 2015


Happy Children, Playing with Parents

Welcome News on Child and Family Centres

The announcement that there will be additional funding for increased staffing levels at Tasmania's Child and Family Centres is welcomed.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  25 Nov 2015


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

E-School is Safe

The Greens welcome the news that Minister Rockliff has back-flipped on a previous announcement to cut staff numbers to the Tasmanian E-School.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  26 Nov 2015


Empty Classroom

Government Needs to act on Tourism Skills Shortage

The government needs to face up to the skills shortages in construction and hospitality and implement a coordinated approach through State Growth and Education.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  5 Nov 2015


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

No Real Answers for Big Picture School in Launceston

The Big Picture School of the City Campus in Inveresk, Launceston has enjoyed ongoing success, providing a happy learning environment for disengaged students.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  28 Oct 2015


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Temporary Relief for City Campus Big Picture

It's comforting news that the government has put on hold any plans to move the City Campus Big Picture school until further discussions are had.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  2 Nov 2015


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Gonski Week

Where Gonski funding has been provided to schools around the country, it is making a huge difference.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  27 Oct 2015


Happy Children, Playing with Parents

Every Child Succeeds Initiative

Anglicare's Every Child Succeeds initiativ, forms part of the Communities for Children program funded by the federal government.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  13 Oct 2015


Vocational Training, Man Teaching Young Man Woodwork

Private VET Providers Peddle Dodgy Diplomas

There are many examples in Australia of private companies charging upwards of $10,000 for diplomas in various fields.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  13 Oct 2015


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Pettit Contract: Liberals Skirt Around Circumstances of Non-Renewal

The middle of the school year is odd timing to take the Department of Education in a new direction and not renewing the secretary of the department's contract.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  25 Aug 2015


Person with Disability with his Parents

Rockliff Avoids Tough Questions on Students Living With Disabilities

The Liberals are not even prepared to commit to implementing the recommendations of the task force they established.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  20 Aug 2015


Bureaucracy, Professional with Paperwork

No Explanation for Pettit Exit

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff has offered no good explanation for his decision not to renew Mr Colin Pettit's contract next year.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  25 Aug 2015


Person with Disability with his Parents

Education Minister Needs to Find Compassion for Vulnerable Children

Education Minister Rockliff today wouldn’t rule out implementing the remaining recommendations of the Ministerial Taskforce, but wouldn’t commit to it either.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  20 Aug 2015


Gender Equality

Rosie Batty's Call for Investment in Schools Must be Heeded

It was an enormous privilege to meet and talk with Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty, in Hobart today.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  4 Aug 2015


Economy, Finance, Calculator, Pen and Graph

Preliminary State Budget Response

If you are homeless, sick, have children in public schools, or care about the environment and action on climate change, the Budget has let you down. 

Nick Mckim  |  Media Release  |  28 May 2015


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Federal Budget-Education

The Commonwealth Budget has failed public education in Tasmania by failing to deliver on years five and six of the Gonski funding reforms.

Nick Mckim  |  Media Release  |  13 May 2015


Empty Classroom

School Funding-Minister is all Over the Place

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff's claim that public schools have received an increase in funding beggars belief.

Nick Mckim  |  Media Release  |  5 Mar 2015


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Public School Funding Fears

Minister Rockliff has secretly increased funding to non-government schools while slashing funding for public schools by over $18 million.

Nick Mckim  |  Media Release  |  5 Mar 2015


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

School Year Begins in Confusion

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff is in denial about the concerns held by parents and teachers over his cuts to Tasmania’s public education system.

Nick Mckim  |  Media Release  |  5 Feb 2015


Education, Textbook and Laptop

Years 11 & 12 Concerns

Minister Jeremy Rockliff intends to abolish the independent Tasmanian Qualifications Authority without having a replacement plan in place.

Nick Mckim  |  Media Release  |  29 Jan 2015


Education, Textbook and Laptop

Gonski Undermined

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff is bastardising the Gonski reforms with his cuts to public school staffing.

Nick Mckim  |  Media Release  |  14 Nov 2014


Religion, Book

School Chaplains

The Minister for Education has backed down under pressure from Christopher Pyne by failing to stand up against the new rules for school chaplains.

Nick Mckim  |  Media Release  |  4 Nov 2014


Education, Textbook and Laptop

Pathway Planners Pressure Grows

The Greens welcome the Legislative Council inquiry into the impacts of the government’s decision to abolish the Guaranteeing Futures program.

Nick Mckim  |  Media Release  |  8 Oct 2014


Empty Classroom

Teacher Pay Cuts

The Treasurer has not rejected the allegation that his pay cuts will cost a first year teacher who has trained for five years $23 000 over three years.

Nick Mckim  |  Media Release  |  3 Sep 2014


Education, Textbook and Laptop

Pathway Planners Job Cuts

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff has refused to confirm exactly how many Pathway Planners will lose their jobs under his budget cuts to education.

Nick Mckim  |  Media Release  |  2 Sep 2014


Classroom, Students with Raised Hands

Post Year 10 Education

The farce that is the Liberal’s post year 10 policy was re-affirmed this morning in Parliament.

Nick Mckim  |  Media Release  |  26 Jun 2014


Empty Classroom

School Reforms Rushed

Public schools have been thrown into disarray due to unnecessary haste and failure to consult over employment of extra literacy and numeracy teachers.

Nick Mckim  |  Media Release  |  23 Jun 2014


Education, Textbook and Laptop

Tasmania Needs Gonski

Hodgman should seize the opportunity presented by today’s visit by the Prime Minister to urgently lobby for a rethink on his cuts to education funding.

Nick Mckim  |  Media Release  |  22 May 2014