Greens push to hire 50 new school psychologists, 40 social workers

2024-03-12

Cecily Rosol | Lead Candidate for Bass

An increasing number of children and young people are struggling with their mental health, and too often support services aren’t available. That’s why the Greens are today pushing to provide students the specialist support they need by hiring 50 new school psychologists, 40 social workers in Tasmania’s public schools. 

“Children and young people’s mental health issues are growing, and too often support services aren’t available. This leaves many children and young people waiting long periods to receive the help they need to tackle an increasingly complex world around them. 

“Meanwhile for families that can’t afford to access mental health care themselves, children and young people’s needs simply aren’t being met. 

“I have worked in primary school, high school and child and family learning centres providing support to children and young people doing it tough. 

“Students already face so many barriers to education, and won’t learn unless they feel safe and supported by the environment around them, which is why it is critical we provide schools with extra resources to support our students.

“Doing more to support children and young people is absolutely essential, and it requires government leadership. That’s why today the Greens have announced plans to invest in a significant increase in the number of school psychologists and social workers.”