[Greens-Media] Rees govt puts budget ahead of needs of vulnerable students

[John Kaye]

Rees govt puts budget ahead of needs of vulnerable students

Media release: 15 August 2009 

The Greens are calling on NSW Education Minster Verity Firth to abandon changes to the funding of students with disabilities and other special needs.

Commenting on a story in today's Sydney Morning Herald ('Capped funds for pupils with disabilities', SMH, 15 August 2009, p. 10),  Dr Kaye said: "While the existing system of funding needs to be greatly improved, the Rees government is implementing  a number of changes that will have devastating impacts on many students and teachers.

"This is all about cutting costs. The future for some of the most vulnerable children in NSW is being put at risk.

"Education Minister Verity Firth is proposing to freeze funding for  autism and mental health and to allocate money between schools according to the prevalence in the general community.

"Not only will the total amount of money decline in real terms but some  schools with a higher proportion of students with autism or mental health problems will be forced to deliver less support to each child. 

"NSW Minister for Education and Training has been led into a series of changes that spell disaster for children with special needs. 

"She has allowed her department to engage in a budget slashing exercise with devastating consequences for these young people.

"This is a false economy and it is irrational. 

"Investing in children with special needs at an early age reduces the long term costs to society.

"Minister Firth has deserted students with mental health problems and autism. 

"Her government is more concerned about the budget bottom line than securing a future for these children,"” Dr Kaye said.

The Sydney Morning Herald story is available at:
http://www.smh.com.au/national/capped-funds-for-pupils-with-disabilities-20090814-el7i.html

For more information:	John Kaye 0407 195 455