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28 May, 2015

Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Education and Training

Record $1.44 Billion investment in education

The Hodgman Liberal Government is investing a record $1.44 Billion in education and training in this Budget, including the single biggest infrastructure investment in our high schools in 20 years.

Last year we began work to improve educational outcomes and create a job-ready generation and this year’s State Budget is building on that momentum.

We are investing $68 million over four years in our Reinvigorating Tasmanian High Schools program to ensure young Tasmanians have the very best contemporary and flexible learning environments to inspire their learning.

This year’s Budget will also deliver on our commitment to the Students First (Gonski) funding, with a $77 million investment in 2016.  That’s $21 million more than in 2015.  While all Tasmanian schools will benefit, this money will be specifically targeted to those with the greatest need.

There’s no better example of this than the use of Students First to invest $17.75 million over four years for a new literacy and numeracy initiative, Learning in Families Together (LIFT).

LIFT will focus on children from Kindergarten to Year 2, and will encourage parents and guardians to be actively involved in their child’s learning and ensure young Tasmanians have the very best start in the basics of literacy and numeracy.

The State Budget will also fund the extension of another six rural and regional high schools to Years 11 and 12.  Already, more Tasmanians are staying in school longer and in 2016 we hope to increase this again, with a total of twelve schools extending.

We firmly believe that when Tasmanians stay in school longer they get better qualifications and have the best chance at getting a job and living a fulfilling life.

More than $7 million in funding is available to support the next round of schools extending next year: Tasman District School; Campbell Town District High School; New Norfolk High School in partnership with Glenora District School; Mountain Heights School and Rosebery District High School.

The State Budget also includes the continued funding for initiatives introduced last year, including $2 million for literacy and numeracy specialists, $1.1 million supporting teacher assistants and almost $1 million this year for school nurses.

Importantly, there will be no additional savings measures in education and no further reductions in teacher numbers this year.

It is an important and significant time for education in Tasmania, and I remain committed to doing everything I can to ensure we give every young Tasmanian the very best opportunity for a bright future.