Developing a more inclusive education system with more support for students with disability is a priority of the Hodgman Liberal Government.
An additional $4.09 million has been allocated, in the 2017-16 State Budget, to support students with disability which means a total commitment of $75.99 million, compared to $71.9 million in 2015.
By getting the state’s finances back on track the Tasmanian Government has been able to re-invest in essential services, like education, and as we have said consistently, it is about spending money in the right places to achieve lasting change.
One of our first actions in Government was to establish a Ministerial Taskforce which reviewed the framework for supporting students with disability and released a report and recommendations in August 2015.
The new Inclusion Advisory Panel – Disability Focus will oversee the implementation of the Taskforce’s recommendations. This will be supported by an additional $12 million allocation over 4 years to assist all Government school to be disability ready and responsive.
Schools will continuously improve through high-quality teaching and learning; work with communities in partnership; and align resources to inclusive education practice, with $3 million to be expended in 2016-17.
The Inclusion Advisory Panel – Disability Focus will have its inaugural meeting on Wednesday, June 8.
Work has already started on implementing the first three Taskforce recommendations:
The Inclusion Advisory Panel – Disability Focus will be independently chaired by well-known and respected educator Cheryl Larcombe and has representatives from:
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
More Media Releases from the Minister for Education and Training