The Liberal Government is committed to encouraging an active lifestyle, particularly among our children.
Tasmania's participation with School Sports Australia was a trial that started in 2012. Prior to this, Tasmania had not been involved in the program for 20-years.
In 2012-13, just 312 Tasmanian students in grades five to 12 participated in School Sports Australia events.
In January 2014, the former Government decided not to continue with the program because it did not provide value for money - - in addition to the affiliation fee of about $17,000 there is a substantial administrative cost to the state of about $100,000 per year.
The decision was made with the full support of all parties involved including the Department of Education, the Tasmanian Catholic Education Office and Independent Schools Tasmania.
The Liberal Government welcomes any initiative that encourages our children to be more active in sport, that's why the Education Department provides more than $210,000 to support school sport associations every year.
We are open to further discussions with Tasmanian sporting associations and School Sports Australia as to how we might be able seek greater value from the program and improve opportunities for Tasmanian students.
The Education Department will assist sporting groups that wish to use School Sports Australia as part of their development pathway to work with the group to find a cost efficient way to participate.
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
More Media Releases from the Minister for Education and Training