Government attack on public schools cynical and damaging spin

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

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03.05.04

Government attack on public schools cynical and damaging spin

Greens Education Spokesperson, Kerry Nettle, has dismissed the release
of a book attacking public schooling by a senior government staffer as
the latest spin in the Coalitions campaign to set up a false debate on
schooling.

The book by Kevin Andrew's chief of staff Kevin Donnelly is reported to
call for 'high stakes' testing, and a return to politically incorrect
cultural and historical teaching.

 "The Government is attacking the fantastic work of our public schools
so that they can justify their announcements on testing, discipline and
curriculum," Senator Nettle said.

"This exercise is little more than spin designed to portray the
Coalition as good old fashioned custodians of the three Rs, strict
discipline and morality. This spin sacrifices the reputation of public
school teachers along the way.

"The government 'shock jock' approach calls for more discipline,
simplistic and inaccurate history teaching, and discriminatory 1950's
morality.

"If the government were truly interested in supporting the quality
education the public system provides it would prioritise the funding of
public schools over subsidising wealthy private schools.

"Public schools work very hard to promote the values of inclusivity and
respect. John Howard's attack on these values says more about his own
outdated vision for Australia than the work of our public schools."

Contact Jon Edwards - 0428 213 146



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