The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to ensuring every young Tasmanian has access to the education they need, no matter where they live or what their background may be.
That’s why we have fully committed to funding the full six years of the reforms outlined in the Gonski agreement and have invested an additional $134 million.
Importantly, this funding is increasingly allocated according to student need, as some Tasmanian students have greater needs than others, and require that little bit of extra support.
I am pleased to today announce that as part of the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s commitment to Gonski, an additional $11 million in funding will be provided in 2016.
This investment in students with greatest need is a result of our strong budget management, which will see us return to surplus ahead of schedule and allow us to invest in essential services.
The $11 million will see the majority of schools receiving an increase in staffing funding with no school disadvantaged, adding 105 full time equivalent teachers into classrooms.
In line with the Gonski principles, the new staffing model is based on student need, identified by parental occupation, while also taking into account if the school is a primary, secondary or combined school.
Importantly, this investment also includes a boost to leadership in our primary schools with additional leadership roles including Assistant Principals and Advanced Skills Teachers.
This is about addressing an historical imbalance in the number of senior staff in our primary schools, compared to secondary schools.
By investing in more leaders for our younger generation we are fostering a culture that inspires excellence from the top down, which lifts teacher quality and educational outcomes.
Schools will receive notice of this additional funding on Monday, this advice will also include an additional five per cent increase in the Fairer Funding Model component of the School Resource Package and the allocations under our new LIFT program, which is being rolled out to 80 schools from next year.
This Government is committed to improving educational outcomes for Tasmanians so they can get a good job and live a fulfilling life. This investment will help us to achieve that.