I am into the ninth day of my personal protest against the cuts to teachers in schools. I write to let you know that support for mass protests is strengthening.
We will not be silenced, you may have blocked our School Associations from contacting parents through the school office but dedicated parents have set up facebook pages and have stood and collected email addresses so that all parents can have a voice.
Parents are frustrated at your lack of action and are looking at the summer break as the perfect time to rally and call your Government to account for slashing education in the state.
The Taste of Tasmania is such a wonderful showcase for Tasmania and a drawcard for tourists. Parents plan to rally during this time to get maximum exposure and to embarrass your Government into some kind of action. Parents are asking that you please let go of the politics of division so we can all get on with providing a decent future for our kids.
This protest is not party political. Parents from all sides of the political spectrum are motivated to protest because they are desperately worried about the future of their kids. The Liberal Party filled the papers with promises of funding and honouring commitments prior to the election, but now that you have formed Government you have reneged on your promises and are using spin to cover the trail of destruction. Parents are not interested in the blame game or political rhetoric.
We find it hard to believe that your government can’t find the wherewithal to keep up IT support,
Pathway Planners orTeachers in our schools but you can so easily find funds for ‘pet’ projects and propping up ailing industries. The constant repeating of your standard mantra and lack of real dialogue is an insult to the parents of this state that have called on you repeatedly to find the resources to give Schools the funds they need. We are interested in a Government that will show some leadership and have an honest open discussion about the vision they have for education. A vision that has dollars attached, to make it into a reality.
Yours Sincerely,
Teresa O’Leary
Mother of two.
