Soaring suspension rates in our schools

Posted by Michael on Sep 2, 2010 in News | 0 comments

Education Department figures obtained by the Tasmanian Liberals through an FOI reveal that suspensions in our schools have soared in recent years.

In 2008, 6667 suspensions were issued to a total of 3118 students. But in 2009, nearly 1000 more suspensions were issued to an extra 300 students. The shocking 2009 suspension figures obtained by the Liberals show 7630 suspensions were issued to 3425 students. That’s a 14 per cent increase in just one year. The figures are alarming especially given the absenteeism rate for school students also averaged 10 per cent in 2009.

Adult Education & George Town “Hub”

Posted by Michael on Sep 1, 2010 in News | 1 comment

Tonight I rise to bring to the attention of the House two items that are quite important in my electorate of Bass. First of all, the Labor-Green Government is shifting adult education in Launceston to the Launceston Library. It is a very sad fact of history now that the beautiful and elegant Mechanics Institute was demolished in favour of building the Launceston Library. I am no architect but I think it is a pretty ugly building. Nonetheless it is our library and it is already quite full and space-poor with many user groups, not least of which is of course the lending library. The community archives there are also under space constraints.

Relationships Amendment (Recognition of Registered Relationships) Bill 2010

Posted by Michael on Aug 31, 2010 in News | 0 comments

After speaking during the debate today, I voted against the proposed legislation but attempted to improve it with an amendment. The amendment was lost and I will certainly ask the Legislative Council members to consider it during their deliberations.