Palmer admits cuts to schools in response to terrible learning data

As she attempted to deflect from Tasmania’s truly abysmal results in the 2025 PISA report, Minister Jo Palmer has not only admitted there will be cuts to education, but said she supports them.

Tasmania consistently produces the worst education outcomes of any state in the country, despite the outstanding efforts of teachers and school support staff. 

The 2025 PISA report has shown Tasmanian students are being left further and further behind, with Tasmania now among the worst-performing education systems in the country. 

Results show only 36 per cent of Tasmanian students attained the National Proficiency Standard in mathematics, 46 per cent in reading, and 49 per cent in science. 

These are the worst PISA results ever recorded in Tasmania, and should be of grave concern to every Tasmanian – especially those in government. 

It is impossible to see how educational outcomes will improve while Eric Abetz cuts $228 million from the department and closes the Professional Learning Institute at Glenorchy.

As a teacher, I’m insulted to watch Tasmania’s Education Minister stand by and pretend Abetz’s cuts won’t have an impact on students, and professional learning isn't important – especially when we see results worsening across the board. 

Every dollar Eric Abetz cuts from education will result in more students being left further behind. 

We know strong public schools build stronger communities, a stronger workforce, and a stronger future. 

Yet, after 13 years of Liberal waste, they are cutting education services to pay for it - and Tasmanian students are paying the price.