Question & Answer – Corporate Visits to Schools

March 24, 2026

Ms WEBB question to MINISTER for EDUCATION, Ms PALMER

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

[2.51 p.m.]

My question relates to departmental policy regarding access to schools by the corporate sector.

Minister, what is the current Education Department policy regarding access of corporate businesses to our state schools, including for primary schools and secondary schools?

Further, are you aware of a recent instance where Tassal staff visited Geeveston Primary School in February this year to discuss that businesses Little Bites Big Future programme?

Can you please detail whether and if so, what approvals were sought for this corporate visit, including whether parental approval for photographs to be taken and subsequently released on the company’s social media platform was given?

Can you guarantee that should community groups, community NGO groups such as Environment Tasmania or the local group Neighbours of Fish Farms also seek to visit our primary or secondary schools, they would be provided the same access as representatives of the salmon industry?

ANSWER

Thank you, Mr President, and I thank the member for the question. I am aware that external programmes may be offered in schools, including initiatives delivered by industry, community organisations, sporting clubs and specialist providers in accordance with the Department for Education, Children and Young People Partnering with External Organisations policy and Partnering with External Organisations Procedure.

This policy and procedure provide clear guidance on the requirements and expectations of programmes and services offered by external organisations to schools.

External providers do not have an automatic right to access school sites. Principles are best placed to determine whether a proposed programme aligns with the requirement outlined in the policy and the procedure, whether their school has the capacity to participate and how the programme fits within the local context and the needs of their students.

Schools are expected to communicate with families regarding participation in such activities and parents and carers may choose to opt their child out if they wish.

I’m advised that Tassal’s – Little Bites, Big Futures programme has not been involved in any schools in 2026.

Ms WEBB question to MINISTER for EDUCATION, Ms PALMER

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

Just to follow up on that, Mr President because I believe that it was shared on social media that they were involved in teaching primary school in February this year.

Are you able to follow up to see whether that’s information you’ve been provided incorrectly, please minister?

ANSWER

Thank you, Mr President. Yes, I can certainly follow that up. But as I say, the advice given to me is that the programme has not been involved in any schools in 2026. But I will follow that up and get back to you.