Labor inks in teacher boost

A STATE Labor government would put 300 more teachers and support staff into public schools over the next four years, Opposition leader Rebecca White says.

Labor would pump $63 million into education staffing and new high schools for central Hobart and K-12 schools for Penguin and Sorell.

“Every child has the right to affordable, accessible, high quality education. We can never lose sight of the fact that education is the crucial foundation that allows everyone to achieve their full potential,” Ms White said.

“We have listened to families, students and educators, and Labor is committed to delivering a quality education plan to repair the damage done to our schools and education system by the Liberal Government.

“Teachers, principals and all members of the school and education community do an excellent job in often challenging circumstances.

“We know that our teachers are stretched to breaking point and we cannot hope to get the best from them or for our students without providing additional capacity to allow them the time they need to teach.”

Labor education spokeswoman Michelle O’Byrne said the promises reflected Labor’s commitment to public education.

“A new Hobart co-ed high school will give families greater choice when it comes to the sort of education they want for their children,” Ms O’Byrne said.

“Primary schools like Lenah Valley, New Town, Lansdowne Crescent, Campbell Street, Goulburn Street and Albuera Street would be potential feeder schools for a new co-ed high school.”

Education Minister Jeremey Rockliff said Labor planned to roll back the extension of 38 high schools to Year 12, but Labor denied the claim, saying rollbacks were not part of their policy.

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said the Labor policy would strip vital support staff from the Education Department while failing to achieve the changes needed.

“I don’t know what level of discussion they have had with parents, teachers and the union, but it doesn’t sound like they have listened,” she said.

The Australian Education Union has welcomed the ALP’s commitment to increasing teacher numbers.