Kinders score $15m update

New buildings, school renovations

KINDERGARTENS will be rebuilt or upgraded with $15 million allocated in next week’s State Budget.

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff says new kindergarten buildings will be constructed in 10 schools and refurbished in another 18.

Mr Rockliff said the State Government was delivering on a promise to prioritise education from early childhood through to Year 12.

“This is a significant investment in the wellbeing of students and staff across Tasmania and demonstrates the Hodgman Liberal Government’s commitment to creating environments that are welcoming, safe and inclusive for all,” Mr Rockliff told the Mercury.

A further 79 schools will receive funding for minor upgrades to existing kindergarten facilities.

Hobart schools at Moonah and Rosetta will receive rebuilt facilities, along with Franklin, Glen Huon and Bagdad in the South.

Brighton, New Town and Glenorchy public school facilities are among those to be refurbished.

“Extensive evidence-based research shows that continuing to invest in the early years is vital to helping our youngest children and their families reach their full potential over their lifetime,” Mr Rockliff said.

Treasurer Peter Gutwein will deliver the re-elected Hodgman Government’s first budget on Thursday.

It is expected to contain funding for the Liberals’ big election commitments, although several big ticket items extend beyond the four-year forward estimates period.

Labor is targeting service delivery, demanding the Government bring forward part of its $125 million affordable housing package to address urgent need.

Opposition Leader Rebecca White’s focus was on health yesterday as she — and Labor’s candidate for Braddon Justine Keay — revisited a patient awaiting back surgery after 375 days.

Ms White had first visited Devonport man Theo Stolp during the state election campaign and said his waiting time had blown out to four times that clinically recommended.

“Just $21 million extra will be added to the budget next financial year,” Ms White said.

“That is simply not enough money.”

Health Minister Michael Ferguson said Mr Stolp could have waited 4000 days under the Labor-Green Government of 2010-14.

“Labor is once again attempting to reinvent the 2016 Mediscare campaign,” Mr Ferguson said.