[Greens-Media] Public Education Day: Greens launch funding plan

[Alison Orme]

MEDIA RELEASE - 17 May 2006

Public Education Day launch for Greens plan to boost public school
resources by cuts to wealthy private school funding 

On the eve of Public Education Day, Greens MP and education
spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said boosting public school resources by
cutting government funding to wealthy private schools will be a key
state election campaign for the NSW Greens.
 
"The Greens are committed to introducing a private members bill that
will redirect state funding from the wealthiest private schools to
disadvantaged public schools. This would deliver an additional $55
million to public schools," Ms Rhiannon said.

"Since the Greens last introduced this legislation, the Federal
government has massively increased its giveaways to the private sector,
and the NSW government has done nothing to restore fairness between
public and private schools.

"The NSW government continues to be a major contributor to private
school funding, supplying more than 30% of the $2.3 billion of annual
federal and state funding.
 
"Elite private schools are awash with money while optimism is being
drained out of the future of the public school system.

"The highly elite Kings College in Parramatta, which charges annual
fees of more than $16,800, received $1.3 million from the State
government last year in addition to  $3.5 million from the Commonwealth.


"It is time the NSW Labor government stopped funding these very
wealthy schools and instead expanded the very successful Priority
Schools Funding Program assists public schools serving communities that
are doing it tough. 

"Kim Beasley's spectacular policy u-turn effectively removes
federal Labor from the debate about the future of schools funding. The
Greens and the community are left with the job of turning off the flood
of money into the wealthy private schools and making sure it goes where
it is most needed. 

"The Iemma government could use the upcoming NSW budget to show
voters that it values the public school system. 

Budget day should herald increased funding for maintenance, more ESL
teachers and extra support for children with special needs.

"If Treasurer Michael Costa's economic rationalist approach
prevails and public education does not get the funding boost the Greens
will work with teacher and parent groups to ensure public education is a
key issue in the state election," Ms Rhiannon said.
 

For more information: Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568



Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Tues, Wed)
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