www.tas.greens.org.au
The Tasmanian Greens today challenged the Premier to hold a plebiscite of all teachers about entering the flawed Tasmania Tomorrow system, saying that if Mr Bartlett had the courage of his convictions he would do so now, rather than wait until the 20 March state election which will guarantee that ongoing problems will be dragged out into yet another school year.
Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that with revelations that TAFE teachers will join Secondary College teachers in protest meetings tomorrow, a responsible Education Minister would stop, take a step back, and engage with their teachers and school community.
“Our suggestion for a plebiscite would take the heat out of the situation, and potentially avert strike action in the lead up to exam time,” Mr McKim said.
“Now that TAFE teachers are joining with their Secondary College colleagues in protest meetings tomorrow against Tasmania Tomorrow, David Bartlett must cease his belligerent crash or crash-through approach and engage with his teachers.”
“If David Bartlett has the courage of his convictions he will not have any problem with conducting a plebiscite now of all teachers regarding Tasmania Tomorrow, as at least that will provide an equal and consistent mechanism by which those at the coalface can express their views.”
“Claiming that the 20 March election next year is a poll on Tasmania Tomorrow is just another way of dodging the issue, and is also highly irresponsible as all it guarantees is that the unrest and disruption spills over into yet another school year next year.”
“Teachers are walking off the job now, the Premier must get engaged now.”
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader
