2017-05-05
The Australian Greens will refer the Government’s education legislation to a senate inquiry when parliament returns next week, to ensure the proposed changes get the best outcome for the public school system.
“We need to cut through the political game-playing and make sure these changes are properly considered,” Greens education spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“While Labor and the Liberals bicker over how much money the Catholic school system would get under these changes, only the Greens are determined to get the best outcome for public schools.
“We need to go over this new plan with a fine-tooth comb, hear from schools and stakeholders and make sure we’re doing the best to achieve equity in our school system. We already know that means those wealthy private schools are going to have to come down a few pegs so struggling public schools can get the funding they need to give all Aussie kids a quality education.
“You’ve got to hand it to Labor for starting the ball rolling on genuine needs-based funding for our schools, but when there’s no soap in the kids’ toilets, it’s obvious the current system is broken.
“There are public schools in this country that are struggling to afford to employ full-time teachers and make sure the bills are paid on time – not to mention teachers forking out thousands of dollars of their pay to stock their classrooms with all the equipment they need to teach our kids. How can that be fair when wealthy private schools are building swimming pools, rowing sheds and extra tennis courts.
“I will fight tooth and nail to achieve genuine needs-based funding that puts our public schools at the centre, and I won’t apologise for that.”
Media contact: Amy Moran 0427 607 760