Tasmania’s education department has ‘indefinitely banned’ a number of activities for public school students “while a review of safety-related procedures is undertaken”.
Students from kindergarten to Year 12, with the exception of those enrolled in apprenticeships or traineeships, are now prohibited from participating in horse handling and riding, quad bike and side-by-side riding, caving, aged and disability care placements, piercing, tattooing and working with animals.
Those involved in any Interschool Tasmania and Equestrian Australia school programs will still be allowed to partake in horse riding, a spokesperson for the education department said.
“The department is reviewing these activities with urgency and will continue to communicate with schools on any further changes,” the spokesperson said.
Education Minister Roger Jaensch said there is currently no specified end date for the restrictions.
“There is a range of activities the have been restricted for a period of time while we undertake safety reviews about how they’re done,” he said.
“It’s not a ban … It’s very important that in our school system, where we’re responsible for the safety and wellbeing of young people, that we are very clear and sure about the safety of the activities we offer.”
