[Greens-Media] Hit list frenzy bad

[Manderson, Roland]

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ACT Greens MLA Deb Foskey MEDIA RELEASE
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Mon 8 May 06


Hit list frenzy bad for Canberra



ACT Greens MLA Deb Foskey has questioned the latest attack on small pre-schools.

"There is a hit list feeding frenzy going on in Canberra which is softening us up for a cost cutting budget. Unfortunately, this process will only make it more difficult for local schools and preschools in the ACT" Dr Foskey said today.

"The ACT Government needs to reconsider the way it works with communities in addressing issues of this significance." 

"Early childhood education is vital to building a fair and healthy society. That includes universal pre-school and high quality childcare, as well as the first years at school."

"Picking off pre-schools here and there will hurt the kids who need our support the most. It could also undermine local primary schools and damage neighbourhood communities."

"Education is one thing we do really well in the ACT, and which we can further develop and promote."

 "We need to look at education as an investment, and as a resource for the future.  Any decisions this government makes must be to enhance our cutting edge, not just to cut expenditure."

"Where numbers are low, the ACT government and local communities need to explore innovative responses together.  Early childhood centres, and full service and bilingual schools, are just some of the possibilities to be considered." 

"Demography changes over time, as does federal funding, transport costs, and urban development.  It would be silly to make hasty permanent decisions because of the situation today, and rule out options for the future" Dr Foskey said.



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Roland Manderson   Media Advisor
ACT   Greens    MLA  Deb  Foskey  
Legislative Assembly for the ACT 
ph(02)62050551      m 0412241379
==== www.act.greens.org.au ===== 
  
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