Australian Education Union Tasmania has cast fears alleged cuts to education will hurt Tasmanian schools

The State Government has rejected claims it plans to slash its education budget by more than $100 million over the next four years.

School classroom. Picture: Supplied

THE State Government has rejected claims it plans to slash its education budget by more than $100 million over the next four years.

Australian Education Union Tasmania Branch executive member David Genford yesterday said the government’s plan to cut education spending in Tasmania by $109 million over four years would “have a lasting impact at state schools”.

The government’s revised budget estimate report shows a $108.9 million reduction in spending over forward estimates.

But Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the government was “not making cuts” to frontline services in education.

“It is absolutely irresponsible of the AEU to suggest otherwise,” Mr Rockliff said.

“Our government has a strong record of investing in education, and we will continue to deliver the infrastructure, programs and resources Tasmanians need.

“We are already part-way through the employment of an extra 250 teachers, and this year have introduced a new needs-based funding model for disability, which will see up to 2000 more students get tailored support.”

The AEU yesterday announced it was launching a new advert featuring voices of Tasmanian students it said would suffer from “proposed education budget cuts”.

“The Cuts or Care advert will run across Tasmania until the 2020-21 State Budget is delivered or the Premier commits to reverse the education funding cuts,” Mr Genford said.

“Cutting an average of $550,000 from every school will mean less support and more work for teachers, that takes us away from teaching.”

Labor’s education spokesman Josh Willie said the State Government’s “savage” plans would have serious consequences for student learning outcomes “and the ability of teachers and staff to perform their jobs”.

“Young Tasmanians are being failed by an education system that’s lagging behind the nation, with many of our school students already not meeting national proficiency standards,” he said.

“Students and teachers should not have to suffer because Peter Gutwein can’t manage his budget.”