The Tasmanian Liberal Government's record investment in education infrastructure has continued to deliver the facilities our students and teachers deserve, as the 2024 school year comes to an end.
Building new and improved schools right across our State is a key part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, including major upgrades for 15 schools as part of a School Building Blitz.
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said in just a few weeks, two brand new schools will open to students.
"It's been more than a decade since Tasmania has opened a brand new Government school, and I can't wait for students to walk through the gates at Brighton High School and Legana Primary School in Term 1, 2025," Minister Palmer said.
"We want our students to learn in contemporary facilities so they can thrive, and work has already commenced on our School Building Blitz with planning and consultation progressing for Dodges Ferry Primary School and South George Town Primary School.
"Upgrades are also now underway at Cambridge Primary School, Exeter High School, Hobart City High School, Sorell School, Montello Primary School and Cosgrove High School, and we've recently completed the Lauderdale Primary School redevelopment.
"On top of that, planning is underway for our brand new North West Support School Devonport campus and the Burnie campus upgrade.
"We're focussed on giving children the best possible start in life and learning, and we've delivered brand new Child Family and Learning Centres (CFLCs) across Tasmania, with four new supersized CFLCs to come.
"Our successful Healthy School Lunch program is expanding, and we've announced the 15 new schools that will join next year to ensure students benefit from healthy and nutritious cooked lunches.
"To prepare our students for the future, we're growing our specialist VET workforce in schools and providing $30 million for new VET facilities and state-of-the-art equipment.
"On top of investing in our students, we're backing in our educators by extending remote teacher incentives for hard-to-staff schools, as well as delivering an early years workforce fund.
"School psychologists and speech and language pathologists play a vital role in our schools, which is why we're providing 20 scholarships to eligible university students."
This year, the Tasmanian Government made a historic deal with the Federal Government to ensure all Tasmanian public schools will be fully and fairly funded from 2026.
Minister Palmer said lifting literacy across our schools is a strong priority for our Government.
"We know being able to read and write is key to learning and we're ensuring Tasmanian students are getting the support they need to build their skills," Minister Palmer said.
"We've implemented the Year 1 phonics check in all Government primary schools, and the requirement for Government primary schools to teach at least one hour per day of structured literacy from 2025.
"Our Government wants an education system that is ambitious for our children and young people, making sure every child reaches their potential, regardless of background, location or any other factor.
"We know there is more work to do, and the Independent Education Review will soon provide advice to the Tasmanian Government on evidence-based and impactful reforms."
The Tasmanian Liberal Government recognises that education is the most powerful driver for improving economic and social outcomes in Tasmania, including health, life expectancy, happiness and productivity.
