The Hodgman Government can now move ahead with historic education reform.
Following one of the longest parliamentary debates in memory - 21 hours - the 367 page Education Bill 2016 passed the Lower House this week, paving the way for a brighter future for our children.
The Education Bill is a once in a generation opportunity to increase universal access to education and break the cycle of disadvantage in this state.
Currently our young people can receive as much as 2 years less education than their interstate counterparts – we cannot expect to do better while we are doing less.
Replacing a 20-year-old Act that no longer reflects contemporary practices and research, the Education Bill 2016 is a forward-looking framework which equips 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.
The changes proposed in the Act will mean more teachers in our schools, more teacher assistants and support staff, infrastructure upgrades where required, and most importantly, more quality play based early education for all Tasmanian children.
The Hodgman Government understands we have to work hard to continue changing the educational path of Tasmania which is why, through a new Education Act, we are providing these important years with the funding and structural reform they need to succeed.
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
More Media Releases from the Minister for Education and Training