Tasmanian teachers would be both the most qualified and highest paid in the nation under the Jacqui Lambie Network’s newly announced education policy.
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The former independent Tasmanian senator’s party is aiming to win the balance of power at the March 3 state election.
JLN Bass candidate Michelle Hoult said her party’s education policy would give teachers “every opportunity to succeed”.
“We think the role of teacher should be a prestigious one, and the only way for that to happen is more pay, resources and training,” Ms Hoult said.
“The JLN firmly believes that when a teacher is well-supported, their students are well-supported too.”
The JLN would create 250 additional teaching jobs in Tasmania and would raise university entry requirements for budding teachers.
It would also introduce new standards from 2025 which would require all new teachers to undertake a postgraduate equivalent five-year degree.
The party says this would “inform” future pay negotiations for teachers.
“The move will … make Tasmania’s teachers the most respected, well-paid, highly qualified teachers in the country,” the policy document reads.
A “comprehensive review” of TasTAFE’s operations is also a component of the JLN’s policy.
Australian Education Union Tasmanian secretary Helen Richardson welcomed the JLN’s announcement, saying the pressure was now on the Liberals and the ALP to “prioritise education this election”.
