2019-03-06
By Max Larkin, GI co-editor
The most common argument you hear from people when speaking about free education is, “well how are you going to pay for it?”
To answer this you might say one of the following arguments:
- Ending corporate handouts that prop up industries that don’t serve the public good,
- Super profits tax on Fossil Fuel giants that operate in uncompetitive markets,
- Making the big corporates pay for their pollution,
- stopping the tax avoidance system employed by multinationals or,
- reversing the big tax cuts to shareholders and the super wealthy.
Most Australians would agree with these proposals. This is because most Australians don’t see why their hard-earned money should fund corporations that destroy our environment. Most Australians want to see multinationals paying their fair share and most Australians don’t see why the super wealthy should enjoy tax cuts while workers who are the backbone of our country miss out.
The reality is, that money makes schools better and an underfunded education system means an under-educated population. A country whose politicians are okay with an underfunded education system are effectually immoral. As it just seems that they prefer constituents who aren’t educated enough to make informed decisions.
With Australian teens falling behind the world in reading, maths and scientific literacy since 2000 the major parties have shown their lack of interest in the wellbeing and future of our education system. Countries all around the world are steaming ahead of Australia and it shows. An Australian 15-year-old has the problem-solving abilities of a Korean 12-year-old. How lucky is our country? Really?
Education is seen as a perfect investment by the Greens as it ensures “economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, personal and community wellbeing and social fulfilment.” If our major parties considered education as a crucial part of the economic system our country would be in a much better state than what it is in today.
So, even with these arguments for increased education funding, free Tafe and university might seem drastic to conservative voters and questions enter the floor like:
- “What about professional students?”
- “This is still a very costly policy, what if we still can’t afford it?”
- “I get funding public schools but why should the government fund further education?”
- “What benefits do further education bring our country anyway?”
Professional students are an issue but it is overplayed. The overall benefit of this proposed system outweighs the few that are willing to screw it. I’m sure there will be a policy set in place to combat this possibility.
One reason our government should fund further education is equality. To be able to give everyone a fair go at living a fulfilling life should be a government priority. Another is the external benefits to society through a more educated and productive workforce. Countries with high rates of university education generally have higher levels of innovation and productivity growth.
The bottom line is, we can afford it. We have the 18th highest GDP per capita in the world. Countries who make less than us can offer free education. The writing is on the wall. Germany, Iceland, Austria, Denmark and the list goes on. If these countries can afford it, and are willing to pay for it, for the benefit of their citizens and to further the wellbeing of their respective countries, then so can we.
Australia is better than to charge extortionate costs to people who cannot afford it. The Greens recognise this and are willing to implement it. A better world is possible, we need to realise it.
[Opinions expressed are those of the author and not official policy of Greens WA]
Header photo: Mehreen Faruqi, Greens Senator for NSW, is responsible The Greens education portfolio.