Last night's debate on the Education Act in the Legislative Council saw significant progress on improving education outcomes in Tasmania, with the adoption in Committee Stage of our proposed "safety net" for the voluntary lower starting age.
This means that before the lower starting age can be formally adopted, and within 12 months, the Government will be required to present a detailed Implementation Plan to the Parliament.
This includes allowing the Parliament to satisfy itself that proper consideration has been given to the effect of the changes on the social and economic impacts on Tasmanian early childhood education and care centres, and families and children.
At the same time, by having this clause legislated, it provides the certainty to allow parents and schools to start planning for the change which commences in 2020.
This is a win-win outcome, and I thank all involved, particularly Legislative Councillors, for their cooperative approach.
Debate on the Bill has now been adjourned and will resume next week on the remaining clauses.
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
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