Today the Legislative Council passed the Hodgman Government’s vital reforms to Tasmania’s education system, giving our children equitable access to a brighter future.
The Education Bill 2016 replaces a 20-year-old Act with a forward-looking framework to equip children and future generations with the skills they need to reach their full potential, in a world which will be very different to our own.
This legislation has been strengthened through amendments in the Legislative Council including the addition of a "safety net" for the implementation of earlier access to Prep and Kindergarten, which will assure Parliament and the community that implementation will take account of impacts on the Early Childhood Education and Care sector.
Further amendments will ensure our youngest learners can experience developmentally appropriate and enquiry led curriculum from Kindergarten right through to Year 2.
The Education Bill 2016 includes important reforms which establish 13 years of compulsory education and training. It also introduces a new approach to attendance management through compulsory conciliation conferences, and raises the leaving requirements so that students participate in education and training until they turn 18, or complete year 12 or its equivalent – whichever comes first.
In another first for this state, this Bill means Tasmania will have a legislated system for Home Education, including the ability to enrol students in school part time.
With our young people currently receiving as much as 2 years less education than their interstate counterparts, the Education Bill is our opportunity to increase universal access to education and break the cycle of disadvantage in this state and is the logical next step, following from our successful extension of high schools.
The Hodgman Government’s strategies are already working, and we are seeing positive results.
Since being elected we have seen a lift in our year 10-12 apparent retention rate, with a higher proportion of young people completing year 12 and gaining a TCE. Our high school extension program has seen a 57 per cent increase in enrolments in the first 12 high schools to extend since 2014.
With the Budget back on track we can invest in essential services, including an additional $100 million into education. This investment means more teachers, assistants and support staff in our schools, infrastructure upgrades where required and most importantly, more education for our children.
The Hodgman Government understands we have to continue working hard to change the educational path of Tasmania which is why, through the Education Bill 2016, we are providing these important years with the funding and structural reform they need to succeed.
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