Tasmanian students with disabilities are missing out on vital support according to the Productivity Commission’s Report on Government Services.
Shadow Education Minister Josh Willie said the report shows Tasmanian students with a disability are at a distinct disadvantage when compared with those in the rest of Australia.
“The report shows Tasmania has by far the lowest number of students receiving an education adjustment due to a disability,” Mr Willie said.
“At 13.8 per cent, the Tasmanian rate is well down on the national average of 20.3 per cent.
“This is despite Tasmania having higher rates of disability than the national figure.
“This report backs Australian Education Union analysis last year, which found an estimated 2,202 students with a disability in Tasmania were missing out on more than $32 million a year in critical funding.
“Tasmanian students with a disability are already at a disadvantage and this sort of neglect is damaging to them and their families.
“These are our most vulnerable students and they are not receiving the educational adjustments they need to learn to their full potential.
“Every Tasmanian child deserves a good education and it is time for this government to ensure all students with a disability receive the support they need.”
