Building a better education system for Tasmanian children: now, and for the future

Lifting literacy rates and continuing to build a better future for Tasmanian children through new and upgraded facilities are centrepieces of the 2025-26 Budget.

Over the next four years, $9.9 billion will be invested into education, children and young people – around 24 per cent of Government expenditure, demonstrating the importance the Tasmanian Government places on education in our State.

Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said the 2025-26 Budget builds a better Tasmania: now, and for the future.

“We recognise that education is the most powerful driver for improving economic and social outcomes in Tasmania," Minister Palmer said. 

“We’ve made significant progress in lifting literacy rates through our structured literacy policy, with reports confirming that our literacy strategy is working and students’ outcomes are improving.

“The Budget ensures we can supercharge this work and continue striving toward our goal to achieve 100 per cent literacy.

“After recently signing a new Education Agreement that will achieve 100 per cent funding for all public schools sooner than other states, literacy will be at the forefront of our educational focus.

“We’ve been working with schools and staff on the ground, and sought feedback directly from schools to understand what resources they need to achieve this goal.

“The Budget also delivers additional supports, including relief funding for schools to enable better staff access to literacy-related professional learning, and classroom resources to support English curriculum instruction.

“This structured, delivery focus across schools is helping reduce the load on a classroom teacher, by providing both curriculum support and the classroom-ready resources needed to teach structured literacy.”

Over the next four years, 23 schools across the State will share in $296 million of transformational upgrades, ensuring students learn in modern, fit-for-purpose environments. 

Works to progress four new Supersized Child and Family Learning Centres and new teacher accommodation in regional areas will also continue as part of this investment.

More than 100 schools and education facilities will benefit from the Government’s $10 million Playground and Sports Courts Upgrade program to keep students and local communities active.

The Government will also accelerate opening school facilities outside of schooling hours to enable better community use.

“This is a Budget that delivers what we said we would do, and my focus has been on ensuring our investment is as impactful as possible,” Minister Palmer said.

“It is a Budget that continues to deliver our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future and addresses the priorities of Tasmanians.”