[Greens-Media] (Sue Pennicuik VIC MLC) Victorian Education a number one priority yet our schools remain the lowest funded

[Amanda.Sharp at parliament.vic.gov.au]

Victorian Education a number one priority yet our schools remain the lowest
funded

Monday 7th April, 2008

"Despite repeated calls on the government to fulfill it's promise of making
education it's number one priority, Victorian schools remain the lowest
funded in Australia, Greens MLC and education spokesperson," Sue Pennicuik
said today.

"Victoria has spent the least per head on government schools of all states
for more than a decade. This has led to too many schools being under
resourced which in turn has resulted in them 'under performing'. Instead of
blaming schools, they should be properly resourced," she said.

In the latest AEU survey, 71 per cent of Victorian public school principals
said they do not have the appropriate resources to ensure quality program
delivery in their school.

"If the government is serious about its stated commitment to a first class
education system, then it needs to adequately fund all government schools
so they can deliver the best possible outcomes for students", she said.

"Victorian teachers continue to earn less than teachers in every other
state. This is forcing many teachers interstate, overseas or to leave the
profession altogether. This is an indictment on the government and is
already causing a severe shortage of teachers now and into the future,"she
said.

"The government needs to making funding all schools and paying all teachers
properly its top priority. This will go a long way in ensuring quality
education for all Victorians," Ms Pennicuik said.

For further information:   Sue Pennicuik   0407 000 270

Background:

According to the Productivity Commission in 2005-06 funding per fulltime
equivalent government-school student in Victoria was $10,352 - $891 below
the national average. Victorian funding is $927 per student below NSW,
considered the most comparable state in terms of demographics and staff to
student ratios.



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