Tasmanian Government schools will be temporarily closed this week as a result of industrial action by public sector unions.
Schools will be closed from the start of the school day until 11am on the relevant day for each region:
– North-West: Tuesday, 28 October
– North (incl. Launceston): Wednesday, 29 October
– South (incl. Hobart): Thursday, 30 October
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer said the Tasmanian Government was extremely disappointed in the unions’ unnecessary action that will disrupt student learning and families, as well as impact businesses.
“Every day of school matters. This disruptive and unnecessary action by the unions’ means we are unable to guarantee there will be enough staff on site to adequately care for students,” Minister Palmer said.
“We recognise the impact this will have on students, families and small businesses, and we again call on the unions to take the pay rise being offered and keep schools open.”
A revised wage offer was provided to unions last week. It includes a 3% wage increase – above Tasmania’s annual inflation rate of 1.7% – and strengthens a number of employment conditions.
Teachers next anticipated pay rise is not due until March 26, 2026.
The Australian Education Union’s log of claims was submitted to the Government on 22 September.
