Tasmanian Labor welcomes today’s school funding announcement, but is seeking more information on the impact on Tasmania’s budget bottom line.

We congratulate the Albanese Government for reaching this agreement before the Federal election and the certainty that provides.

Today’s update confirms the Federal Government will provide an additional $447 million to Tasmanian public schools over the time of the agreement, in combination with the deal reached last year.

The additional funding will be matched by an increase in state government funding, but given the length and nature of the agreement we don’t know by how much. With Premier Rockliff placing Tasmania in record debt, we do know it will be entirely funded through additional borrowings. 

Given the state of the budget after 11 years of Liberal mismanagement, this lack of budget impact clarity is concerning, and is more evidence that Labor’s policy for 10 year debt and deficit projections should be included in every budget..

Sarah Lovell MLC
Shadow Minister for Education & Early Years