Tamara Smith announced as new state Greens spokesperson

GONSKI funding at the top of the list for new Greens education spokesperson and Ballina MP Tamara Smith.

Tamara Smith, Greens MP, is the new Greens spokesperson for education. Picture: Suze McLeod

BALLINA MP Tamara Smith has announced she will lead the NSW Greens as their spokesperson on education.

The education portfolio encompasses schools, skills and TAFE and Early Childhood.

"As NSW Greens education spokesperson, I will be focusing on guaranteeing the full six years of Gonski funding in NSW and monitoring how our students with disabilities are educated in this state,” she said.

Ms Smith said her aim was to ensure that:

• All students in the state's schools have their learning needs met, are taught to think for themselves and think critically
• Teaching professionals are supported to deliver quality teaching and learning in a safe environment

"Affordable, high quality vocational training through TAFE will be high on my list of priorities as will funding for Early Childhood education providers and increased access for all three-year-olds to take part in Early Childhood education, not just those from a disadvantaged background,” Ms Smith said.

Ms Smith has a 21-year background in teaching across a wide range of educational environments, including Aboriginal education, distance learning and remote and rural educational settings.

"I am proud to follow in the footsteps of former Education spokesperson the late Dr John Kaye,” she said.

"I am aware of the hugely important legacy left by him, including his passion for lifelong, free, quality public education.”

Ms Smith has also worked in juvenile justice settings and has held a number of positions within the NSW Teachers Federation.

"During the next six months I will be meeting with stakeholders from across the education sector, including TAFE, Skills, public and non-Government schools, Parents and Citizens groups and teachers associations to really get a sense of the priority issues in the sectors,” said Ms Smith.

Ms Smith will remain the spokesperson for Regional Development and she is also a member of the Legislative Assembly Committee on Investment, Industry and Regional Development.