Shaping a thinking future.

I’m delighted that education forms the centrepiece of the 2007-08 State Budget, and is geared to encouraging growth in the Tasmanian economy.

A key initiative is the Qualifications and Skills for Tasmania Tomorrow, which will ensure that the educational excellence of our colleges and the vocational expertise of our highly regarded TAFE Tasmania meet the needs of even more Tasmanians.

It responds to the Tasmanian community’s desire, set out in Tasmania Together’s benchmarks, for lifelong education and training and well qualified individuals and a skilled workforce.

By investing in more qualified and skilled people, and more productive enterprises, we will improve our society and economy.

Not just for today, but for Tasmania tomorrow.

The enclosed information on the education component of the State Budget will give you an overview of our priorities for education over the next four years.

I will also be communicating further with college staff about the Qualifications and Skills for Tasmania Tomorrow initiative.

If you would like more information on the Budget, please contact my office by ringing 6233 8807.

Yours sincerely

David Bartlett
Minister for Education