Media Release
Thursday 06 November 2025
Education not a Priority
The Tasmanian Association of State School Organisations (TASSO) has expressed disappointment that today’s State Budget again fails to deliver full and fair funding for government schools.
TASSO President John Allan said that while some initiatives in today’s budget, including previously announced programs across government schools are a positive step, some come at the cost of teaching and learning, and others are simply deferred. Furthermore, the budget does not address the broader issue of chronic underfunding.
“Small short-term initiatives cannot replace the impact of a fully funded education system.” Mr. Allan said.
Under the State’s funding agreement with the Commonwealth, Tasmanian government schools will remain around 4 per cent below full and fair funding in 2026 and are not projected to reach the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) until 2034.
“Last year it was announced that schools would reach full and fair funding by 2026. Examining the details and now this budget shows that much of the projected increase reflects accounting adjustments and deferred commitments. Every year that schools operate below the SRS is a year where students are being asked to do more with less,” Mr Allan said.
“Children, families, teachers and principals have the every-day lived experience of this shortfall – in stretched support services, class sizes, and limited access to specialist staff.”
Budget papers suggest several capital infrastructure upgrades to school facilities have been delayed for 2 years due to “emerging industry capacity constraints”.
“School Associations have been highlighting the need for some of these projects, they’re the Priority 1 schools most at need of urgent maintenance and repairs, and now it looks like these are being delayed” continued Mr. Allan.
Mr Allan said the budget represents another missed opportunity to invest meaningfully in Tasmania’s future.
“Education is a significant driver of long-term social outcomes and productivity in developed economies. Under-funding education today affects children’s opportunities tomorrow. It directly impacts Tasmania’s future body of skills, capabilities and an adaptable workforce. Investing in education delivers a compelling long-term benefit.”
“Lifting attainment, retention, literacy, wellbeing and engagement requires sustained investment in education.”
TASSO re-iterates that families and educators continue to shoulder the burden of a funding gap.
“Tasmanian students deserve better,” Mr Allan said. “They deserve education to be seen as investment in Tasmania’s future and an essential service – not as an optional extra.”
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jessica Bennett
Tasmanian Association of State School Organisations (TASSO)
info@tasso.org.au
(03)62437718
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