Tasmanian government chalks up record education spend targeting ‘100 per cent literacy’

The Tasmanian government has spruiked its commitment to education ahead of Thursday’s budget, announcing mega spending for almost two dozen schools over the next four years.

Education Minister Jo Palmer, with Goulburn St Primary School principal Michael Park, and students Luca and Sybella. Picture: Supplied

The Tasmanian government has spruiked its commitment to education ahead of Thursday’s state budget, announcing $296 million of upgrades for 23 schools across the state over the next four years.

Speaking at Goulburn Street Primary School in Hobart, Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said the government would outlay $9.9 billion over the forward estimates into the education of Tasmania’s children and young people.

The construction of four new Supersized Child and Family Learning Centres, new teacher accommodation in regional areas, and improved playground and sports courts will form part of the upgrade program.

“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.”

Minister Palmer said the government would also accelerate the opening of campus facilities outside of school hours to enable better community use.

Originally published as Tasmanian government chalks up record education spend targeting ‘100 per cent literacy’