Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT

With regard to a JackJumpers media release of 25 September 2023 titled “JackJumpers launch into schools with Huon Aquaculture”, the release states:
Huon Aquaculture will be the presenting partner of the JackJumpers in Schools Program delivering educational outcomes across Tasmania…

Designed by Tasmanian teachers within the Australian Curriculum, the JackJumpers Schools Program has been carefully crafted to align with the Tasmanian education curriculum for Years 3/4 and 5/6, exploring themes of health and wellness, focusing on both mental and physical health and giving students the tools they need to become healthy and happy versions of themselves.

With reference to the contents of this media release:

1. Are the teachers referred to DECYP employees; and
a) if so, who paid for them to develop this curriculum; and
b) how does this align with the DECYP Sponsorship and Commercial Arrangements for Education Settings Procedure and with the whole of government purchasing and procurement policies?

2. What is the total value of the program including:
a. any payment of teacher's time to develop the program;
b. the implementation of the program; and
c. how does the funding align with DECYP Sponsorship and Commercial Arrangements for Education Settings Procedure and with whole of government purchasing and procurement policies?

3. How does the program align with the DECYP Partnering with External Organisation Policy, in particular this: Partnerships must only be established with organisations whose values, products, services, purposes and objectives are consistent with the Learners First commitment, values, goals and priorities; and

4. What evidence can be provided to demonstrate how the programs aligns with these values based on matters including healthy eating, environmental principles and sustainability?

ANSWERS:

1. Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) employees have not been involved in the development of this program in the course of their Government employment.
The teachers referenced in the recent JackJumpers’ media release are not Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) employees acting in the course of their official duties.

2. The JackJumpers in Schools Program has not received funding from DECYP.

3. Individual schools who choose to engage with this program need to comply with the Partnering with External Organisation Policy.

4. DECYP has not undertaken any analysis of this program and cannot provide comment in relation to these matters.