Under a majority Liberal Government we are delivering a record $7.5 billion investment in education, which is the largest state based investment in Tasmanian Government schools in over 20 years.

Labor’s assertions today that we are under-investing in education are desperate and false.

We are investing $2 billion more than when Labor and the Greens were in office, including $204 million for school upgrades right across the State. This includes Sorell, Lilydale, Brighton, Snug, Glenorchy, Boat Harbour, East Devonport, Penguin and Deloraine, just to name a few.

Today we announced an additional $7.1 million investment for a major redevelopment for Montello Primary school and we will have more school infrastructure projects to announce soon as part of our education policy.

We have also introduced a new asset management system, which has mapped the lifespan of all assets, from floor coverings to fittings. This enables better forward planning and asset management and ensures a fair, evidence based approach to maintenance and upgrades.

Since 2014 we have recruited 269 FTE new teachers, 250 FTE teacher assistants, 80 FTE professional support staff and 45 more administration staff.

Labor’s record speaks for itself on education – they tried to close 20 schools, cut school nurses, opposed year and 11 and 12 extensions and wrecked TAFE, leaving it with a $5 million debt.

Only a re-elected majority Gutwein Liberal Government has the leadership and experience to manage the State’s education system responsibly.