[Greens-Media] Greens back ACCI call for more government investment in education: but not further privatisation of higher education

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

26.04.07

Greens back ACCI call for more government investment in education: but
not further privatisation of higher education


Greens Senator Kerry Nettle today welcomed the call from the Australian
Chamber of Commerce and Industry for a significant boost in government
funding to education, but warned that more money should not drive more
privatisation of education.

"The Greens have been saying for over 10 years that education at both
levels of government is being under funded. Where we disagree with ACCI
is on the level of investment needed and on the structural changes they
advocate," Senator Nettle said.

"ACCI has called for an increase of $2.6bn over 3 years from the federal
government but this would still leave Australia way down the list of
OECD countries in terms of public investment in education.

"The Greens have called for a $7bn annual injection of federal money
which would lift government spending on education in Australia to around
the average for OECD countries public expenditure on education.

"As important as the increase money is where it goes and The Greens are
concerned that ACCI are promoting further privatisation of education
through the introduction of vouchers in higher education and HECS and
FEE HELP style loans for TAFE and other vocational education.

"Investment should not undermine equality of access or quality of
output. Investing in things like voucher schemes which drive the
proliferation of private education providers necessarily threatens the
viability of public institutions which in turn threatens access and
quality.

"The Greens do not support a structural role for business in setting
school curriculum. ACCI should leave curriculum decisions to the
experts."

Contact - Jon Edwards 0428 213 146