New Tasmanian Labor leader Josh Willie will take on both the education and early years portfolio, as well as economic development, in Labor’s new shadow cabinet.
Speaking at Goodstart Early Learning on Tuesday, Willie said education and economic development “go hand in hand” and would be central to Labor’s vision for Tasmania.
“Education is the greatest lever that any state government of any colour can pull to improve the lives of all Tasmanians,” Willie said.
“And it’s something that I’m going to take on as leader because I think it’s that important.”
A former teacher, Willie said he had worked with children with disabilities in challenging schools and had a very personal connection to education.
Both his parents were teachers, with his late father Mike serving as a respected education leader in the community.
Willie’s decision to personally oversee both shadow portfolios comes as Tasmania struggles with some of the nation’s worst literacy and numeracy outcomes.
He pledged to implement “evidence-based teaching practices” and back school staff to lift results.
Willie will announce his full shadow cabinet line-up tomorrow, confirming former leader Dean Winter will stay on in a senior role, while independent MLC Ruth Forrest will not be included.
“He’s a proud Tasmanian, he’s got strong Labor values and he’ll continue to contribute for Tasmania and I’m looking forward to making that announcement tomorrow,” he said.
The new Labor leader also acknowledged the party’s disappointing election result and vowed to rebuild trust by listening to Tasmanians, particularly in regional areas.
He said the response since taking on the leadership had been “overwhelmingly positive”.
“Members of the public reaching out, our rank and file members and members of the union movement are very positive about my leadership and the direction of Labor moving forward,” Willie said.
