Tasmanian public school teachers have announced a complete and indefinite ban on NAPLAN testing as their bitter wage dispute with the state government intensifies.
Union members say they will refuse to administer the national literacy and numeracy assessments, which are sat by students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9.
The testing window opens next Wednesday and runs until March 23.
The Australian Education Union Tasmania (AEU) said the ban would extend well beyond this year’s tests.
Members have committed to refusing any involvement with NAPLAN in 2026 and 2027 as well.
The union argued the tests had strayed from their original purpose as a simple snapshot of student performance.
Instead, they now involve extensive preparation, practice testing and significant administrative work for teachers.
“Banning NAPLAN does not impact student learning but lands a devastating blow to Premier Rockliff and the education minister,” the union said.
“By taking this step, educators are sending the strongest possible message to the premier: he must fix the workload crisis in public schools now.”
Education Minister Jo Palmer said action would be taken to “minimise disruption” as a result of the testing ban.
“I am disappointed that the union has decided to take industrial action that impacts student learning,” she said.
“Our top priority will be to ensure we can minimise disruption and the impact on student learning.”
“We are committed to delivering fair and affordable agreement through respectful and constructive negotiations, as we have done with police, doctors, firefighters and education facility attendants.”
