Economic experts and business leaders are generally supportive, recognising the long-term importance of a solid education and qualifications. Supporters of Tasmania’s college system, and Labor, are in favour of only extending to grade 12 in regional area where schools aren’t so plentiful and young scholars face long commutes or a full exodus from their hometowns.

Labor’s argument for a collaborative approach capitalising on primary, secondary and tertiary education within a community is an attractive one on the surface, but without careful regulation could risk a lack of direction and reduced opportunity for high achievers.

While parties remain divided on whether extending grade 12 in all state schools is sustainable or not, interestingly both Labor and Liberal seem in agreement that collaboration is key. 

Rolling out grade 12 to all state schools seems a no-brainer to those of us who grew up outside Tasmania’s college system. The college system clearly has its benefits – a quick look at the remarkable programs on offer at Launceston College, Newstead College and Scotch Oakburn alone can tell you that.

But the argument that grade 12 in all state schools will reduce the number of students enrolling at colleges needs some closer scrutiny, as does the argument that urban high schools will be competing against each other for grade 12 students.

Are those high schools competing now for grade 10 students? If so, what is the impact? If not, why would we expect a sudden turf war now? Change is uncomfortable, but is, perhaps, overdue.

If we genuinely want to see Tasmania’s young people fully equipped for their future, they deserve every opportunity we can offer.