A Canberra Liberals government will deliver a clear plan to improve literacy and numeracy, better support  teachers and ensure all students have access to well maintained and safe learning environments.

Announcing the Liberal policy ahead of the October election, leader Elizabeth Lee said her party would put teachers at the forefront of the education system by lowering the administrative burden and providing each ACT teacher with an annual $200 voucher to help with classroom supplies of their choosing and introduce access to an opt-in behaviour curriculum for students.

“A Canberra Liberals government will also boost the Asset Renewal Program with an additional $25million to bring every government school up to minimum standards when it comes to heating, cooling, and toilets,” Ms Lee said.

“A Canberra Liberals government will fully fund and implement an evidence-driven plan to improve literacy and numeracy in the ACT, which includes year 1 screening, small group intervention and supports for those students who need it and strengthened regular monitoring of progress across all years.

“The education minister and her Labor-Greens government have let down an entire generation of students by ignoring report after report from experts which raised the alarm that what this government was doing was not working when it comes to teaching literacy and numeracy.

“It is shameful that some ACT government schools are also lacking basic facilities like suitable toilets and adequate heating and cooling; the very basics that all Canberra parents should expect.

“For years, principals, teachers, and the Australian Education Union have raised significant concern about the unacceptably high levels of violence against our teachers, including our principals, which ranks as one of the highest in the country. These concerns have largely been ignored by the Labor-Greens government.

“The Canberra Liberals support choice when it comes to education and we value the important role that our Catholic and independent schools have in our community. A Canberra Liberals Government will continue to work with these sectors to ensure that all Canberra students have access to a great education, no matter which school they choose.”