Federal Funding Failing Public Schools

[Bolwell, Kristian (M. Organ, MP)]

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***** MEDIA RELEASE *****
6 May 2004


FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FAILING PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The federal government is failing in its responsibilities to fund public
education, Michael Organ MP said today, after completing a fact finding
tour of public schools in the Cunningham electorate.

"I saw first hand the effects of the federal government's increasing
funding bias towards private schools. 

"Because of a lack of funding many public schools cannot even carry out
basic maintenance. Principals are forced to make a trade off between
maintenance, paying for staff long service and sick leave and purchasing
books for students.

"It is an outrageous situation given that the federal government could
fix these problems today.  The Coalition's bias towards funding private
schools over public schools by a factor of 70:30 is ludicrous given that
the vast majority of students use the public system. The lack of an
appropriate level of federal funding is in turn putting pressure on
State budgets.

"In my visits I have observed public school teachers doing an excellent
job under often difficult conditions. But for students to have the best
possible educational opportunities, public schools need increased
commitment from the federal government.

"Whatever people think about the public/private education debate, it is
clear John Howard is not putting enough money into our public schools.
For the federal government to claim that it truly cares about public
education is a joke. It needs to care a hell of a lot more." Michael
Organ said.

More from:
Michael Organ MP 02 4228 3666, 0439 442 550
Allen Clark (Media Adviser) 0439 464 439
www.michaelorgan.org.au - where you can subscribe to all the Greens
media releases with Greens media

***** MEDIA RELEASE *****
 



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