Education Minister Dan Tehan admits he 'overstepped the mark' in criticising the Victorian Premier for failing to reopen schools in the state, contrary to federal advice.
Education Minister Dan Tehan admits he "overstepped the mark" in criticising the Victorian Premier for failing to reopen schools in the state, contrary to federal advice. Mr Tehan claimed Daniel Andrews took a "sledgehammer" to the education prospects of children in the state.
In a statement, he withdrew his comments, stating it was "frustration" that led him to "overstep the mark". Prime Minister Scott Morrison made it clear previously his desire was to see students return to school, however the need for unity in the National Cabinet made it clear Mr Tehan's comments were untenable. Image: News Corp Australia
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Tehan withdraws attack on Victorian Premier over school stanceFederal Education Minister Dan Tehan has withdrawn his attack on Daniel Andrews and admitted his frustrations led him to “overstep the mark”.
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Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan demands schools re-open, accuses Victoria of taking 'sledgehammer' to sector - ABC NewsThe federal Education Minister has lashed out at Victoria, urging parents to ignore that state's Premier and instead follow medical experts and send their children back to school.
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Dan Tehan attacks Daniel Andrews over handling of schools during coronavirus crisisThe Morrison government has launched a scathing attack on Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews over the controversial issue of opening schools during the COVID-19 crisis.
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Education minister admits he 'overstepped the mark' regarding criticism of Daniel Andrews | Sky News AustraliaFederal Education minister Dan Tehan has withdrawn his comments accusing Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews of a “failure of leadership” over the vexed issue of reopening schools during the COVID-19 crisis.\n\nIn a sharp escalation of rhetoric, Mr Tehan told the ABC Premier Andrews is 'taking sledgehammer' to the state's education system.\n\n'The question to Daniel Andrews, sure, take a sledgehammer to defeating coronavirus, but why are you taking a sledgehammer to the state education system?' Mr Tehan said.\n\n'This is a failure of leadership from Dan Andrews and it is the most disadvantaged children who are being most affected.'\n\nLess than four hours later, Mr Tehan released a statement admitting he “overstepped the mark”.\n\n'It was this frustration that led me to overstep the mark in questioning Premier Andrews' leadership on this matter and I withdraw,' he said in a statement.\n\nThe federal government has been firm in its desire to see all face-to-face learning resume by June, but Victoria said it wants to take its own path. \n\nAs it stands, 97 per cent of students in Victoria are completing classes via distance education as the state continues its tough stance on flattening the COVID-19 curve.\n\n\nImage: News Corp Australia
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Tehan withdraws attack on Victorian Premier over school stanceFederal Education Minister Dan Tehan has withdrawn his attack on Daniel Andrews and admitted his frustrations led him to “overstep the mark”.
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Education minister accuses Daniel Andrews of 'failure of leadership' on schools | Sky News AustraliaPrime Minister Scott Morrison is being asked whether he supports Education Minister Dan Tehan's statement that the Victorian government is taking a 'sledgehammer' to the state's education system.\n\nIn a sign of escalating tensions over school closures, Mr Tehan said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews reluctance to reopen schools was a 'failure of leadership'.\n\n'The question to Daniel Andrews, sure, take a sledgehammer to defeating coronavirus, but why are you taking a sledgehammer to the state education system?' Mr Tehan told ABC television.\n\n'We have seen outstanding leadership from (state leaders in WA, NT and South Australia) who have reopened their schools and have a 70 per cent attendance rate.\n\n'This is a failure of leadership from Dan Andrews and it is the most disadvantaged children who are being most affected.'\n\nThe federal government has been firm in its desire to see all face-to-face learning resume by June but Victoria has said it wants to take its own path. \n\nAs it stands, 97 per cent of students in Victoria are completing classes via distance education. \n\nWhen asked, Health Minister Jenny Mikakos called on the Prime Minister to clarify if he supports the education minister. \n\n'We look forward to the Prime Minister coming out today and explaining whether Dan Tehan's comments are the views of his government,' she said. \n\n'We are prioritising public health, we are ensuring that students have the opportunity to continue to learn and to get a great education through our Victorian schools with online learning. \n\n'We're going to continue as we have from day one to prioritise the public health of Victorians.'
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