Tasmania is falling behind the rest of Australia when it comes to educational outcomes, according to a new report by the Productivity Commission.
The 2024 Report on Government Services showed that Tasmania had lower than average Year 12 attainment rates, with only 53% of students completing Year 12 in 2022 compared to the national average of 76%.
Attendance rates in Tasmanian schools were also below the national average across most categories.
“Apparent retention rates for secondary students have also dropped to just 71.7%, the lowest in the nation outside the NT and well below the national average,” Shadow Education Minister Josh Willie said.
“This figure is nearly back to 2010 levels (71%), which begs the question – what have the Liberals been doing to improve results?”
He said the percentage of students with disabilities receiving educational support was also lower in Tasmania compared to other states and territories.
“It’s time we had a government which prioritised the education of our children so we can turn around these results and build a better future for all Tasmanians,” he said.
Education Minister Roger Jaensch acknowledged that more needs to be done to address long-term challenges in the education system but highlighted positive developments including increased government school expenditure and improved attendance levels.
“We have recruited an additional 435 full-time equivalent (FTE) teachers and 421 FTE additional teaching assistants, including education support specialists and administration staff, as well as 100 FTE professional support staff and 58 FTE school nurses,” Jaensch said.
“Students in our high schools can now stay on to finish Years 11 and 12 at the school of their choice after we extended senior school to all high schools.”
“We are providing students with choice by delivering more subjects and VET courses across more schools and colleges.”
