[Greens-Media] Rudd must tell public his plan for schools

[Forsyth, Danielle (Sen P. Wright)]

Senator Penny Wright
MEDIA RELEASE
3 July 2013

Rudd must tell public his plan for schools



Prime Minister Rudd must clearly state his intentions for school funding reform to provide certainty for schools and parents, says Australian Greens spokesperson for schools Senator Penny Wright.

"Schools and parents need to know this Prime Minister is committed to improving the education of every Australian child," Senator Wright said.

"The negotiations with states and school systems are important, but the public deserves to be fully informed of Prime Minister Rudd's intentions.

"Transparency and accountability is crucial in these negotiations and in how the money will eventually be spent.

"Speculation about delays for this new funding are adding to the uncertainty in the community and putting pressure on schools.

"From my visits to schools all around the country, I know how excited teachers, parents and students are about the opportunities that Gonski will provide.

"Australian public schools have been critically underfunded for years. Education is opportunity and any delay only adds to the disadvantage some students face.

"With the support of the Australian Greens, the legislation passed Parliament last week - protecting our schools from Tony Abbott's plan to strip money out of education.

"Mr Rudd must now commit to implementing the Gonski framework to fix our broken school system as quickly as possible.

"The Australian Greens will always stand up for a more equitable funding system and we call on the Prime Minister to publically commit to the same."


Media contact: Danielle Forsyth 0417 173 508