Government announced inquiry into state’s education system

The state government has announced an independent review into the Tasmanian education system. Here’s who will lead the review.

Minister Jo Palmer at St Davids Park. Picture: Linda Higginson

The state government has announced an independent review into the Tasmanian education system.

Minister for Education Jo Palmer has appointed experienced educator Vicki Baylis to head the inquiry, which is to report back to the government by the end of the year.

Labor has been calling for an inquiry to address long-term educational underachievement.

Ms Palmer said Tasmania’s education system is critical in supporting young Tasmanians in gaining the skills they need to fully contribute to our community and economic future, and lead their best lives.

Review head Vicki Baylis. File picture

“We have delivered significant change in the education system over the past ten years, including extending high schools to years 11 and 12 and changing the law to ensure young people are in education or training,” she said.

“This is paying off with 80.2 per cent of 15-19 years old in formal education or training which is in line with the national average.

“We have recently introduced nation-leading structured literacy and phonics programs in our schools but are always open to further improving our education system, which is why the government will undertake a transparent, independent review within the Tasmanian context.”

Review head Ms Baylis has more than four decades of experience in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

The review will consider Tasmania’s demographic profile, socio-economic characteristics, and the relationship of all levels of education, as well as learning from other jurisdictions.

Ms Palmer said the Government would release the terms of reference in the coming weeks but noted the state was not unique in facing challenges within the education system regarding student pressure points and the education workforce.

“I continue to engage with stakeholders and ministers from other jurisdictions about the key focus areas within the education system,” she said.

The Government would also continue to negotiate with the federal government to secure the next ten-year funding agreement, “with a strong focus on ensuring Tasmanian schools are fully and fairly funded’.