The Tasmanian Government has released a discussion paper covering possible ways to improve the future provision of Years 11 and 12 education in regional Tasmania.

 

State Education Minister Nick McKim said the discussion paper would aim at increasing education levels in the state, while also examining wyas of extending the school leaving age to 18.

 

"Tasmania has the most regional and dispersed population of any State in Australia, with 60 per cent of people living outside the capital city," Mr McKim said.

 

"While we have seen some recent improvements, we have lower overall retention rates than other States, and Year 12 completion is even lower in some regional areas of Tasmania.

 

"Only 62 per cent of Tasmanians aged 15-64 have completed Year 12 or have attained a formal qualification at Certificate 11 or above."

 

Mr McKim said that the extension of the compulsory school age had first been raised as an issue by the Tasmanian State Parents and Friends Association, adding that rising the level of educational attainment and participation in Tasmania is vitally important.

 

The "Future provision of Years 11 and 12 education in regional Tasmania, A discussion paper” can be found here

 

Submissions close 24 December