[Greens-Media] Liberal split on student reports spells danger for NSW education

[Alison Orme]

MEDIA RELEASE - 2 August 2006 

Liberal split on student reports spells danger for education in NSW

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon says the NSW Opposition’s pledge to dump the Federal Government’s proposed A to E school grading system exposes a dangerous division which will cast a long shadow over Debnam’s ability to successfully manage education if his party wins government in 2007.

“The NSW Opposition’s position is diametrically opposed to their Federal counterpart’s stance which demands that the States adopt the scheme as a condition of funding,” Ms Rhiannon said. 

“The Opposition’s position shows the party as willing to pledge anything to increase its chances at the next election, even if it goes against its party’s own policy. 

“If Debnam wins power he will either have to roll over to the Federal Government and renege on this promise to oppose the new school reporting system, or be left fighting an unseemly battle with his own party.

“Neither outcome creates a healthy landscape for education in NSW.

“The Opposition’s position highlights the opportunities for the NSW Minister for Education to do more than just grandstand on the proposed A to E grading system.

“State Education Ministers are in a good position to stare down the Federal government on this issue. The Federal government will want to avoid going into the election with deep divisions over education reporting. 

 “Ms Carmel Tebbutt should convene a meeting with her State and Territory colleagues to develop a united position against the A to E school reports.

 “The Howard government will not want its bluff called and be exposed as withholding education funding to the States as the federal election looms. 

“State and Territory ministers, acting together, could kill off this proposal.

“Students in NSW deserve a reporting system that provides parents with clear and constructive information about their children’s progress. 

“To achieve this we need a discussion that is not tainted by political point scoring and funding blackmail. 

“The Greens do not support adopting a system that brands some students as failures from a very early age,” Ms Rhiannon said. 

For more information contact:  9230 3551 or 0427 861 568 





Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Tues, Wed and alternate Mons)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au