Thursday, November 13th 2025 

The Australian Education Union has slammed Education Minister Jo Palmer for comments in Parliament yesterday that downplayed the daily violence and aggression faced by Tasmanian educators. 

AEU Tasmania President David Genford said the Minister’s remarks showed a “flagrant disregard for the safety and wellbeing of her workforce.” 

“Educators are appalled that the Minister appears to be writing off violence in schools as simply a result of student trauma – as if that somehow makes it less serious,” Mr Genford said. 

“Educators understand better than anyone that student needs are more complex than ever, and that many children are living with trauma. We are the ones offering solutions while the Minister continues ignoring us. It’s the Government’s responsibility to ensure those students – and the staff who work with them – are safe and properly supported.” 

Mr Genford said the Minister’s comments revealed how out of touch the government is with what’s really happening in classrooms. 

“The solutions are clear: more school psychologists and social workers, safe staffing ratios, and more in-class support so educators can manage complex needs safely,” he said. 

“More than 2000 students are still waiting to get the support they need from school psychologists. Wait times are over a year on average – many students wait much longer without intervention. Where’s the investment in more psychologists and cutting wait times?” 

“Instead, the Minister’s answer is another round of toothless ‘wellbeing’ programs for staff – bandaids to patch up the damage after violence happens. That’s not a solution. That’s an admission of failure.” 

Mr Genford said educators are demanding real action to make schools safe. 

“Violence in schools isn’t fixed by staff wellbeing. It’s fixed by investment – in psychologists and social workers, more in-class support, and smaller class sizes that allow educators to give every child the attention they need.”