[Greens-Media] Sweetheart deal with private school lobby will increase funding unfairness

[John Kaye]

Sweetheart deal with private school lobby will increase funding unfairness

Media release: 11 July 2013

The additional $150 million provided to the powerful independent school
lobby by the Rudd government will further entrench the financial bias
against public education, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.

Dr Kaye said: "The Independent Schools Council of Australia has
successfully pressured the Federal government into providing an additional
$150 million over six years to bolster their schools.

"The federal-state Gonski school funding deal was already biased against
public education by indexation arrangements that locked in the Howard
government's massive increases in private sector subsidies.

"With just 14 percent of the student population, independent schools have
cajoled their way into yet further privilege.

"Public education with 66 percent of the students should now receive an
additional $710 million to address the latest unfairness.

"The additional $45 million to independent schools in NSW was not part of
Premier Barry O'Farrell's deal with the federal government. Public
education in this state should receive an additional $210 million over the
six year period.

"While the Gonski funding deal will provide urgently needed resources for
many public schools, it does not restore fairness to the system that has
become increasingly biased to the private sector.

"The well-cashed-up independent education lobby has been able to throw its
weight about and secure yet more money.

"Public schools continue to suffer because NSW governments, both Labor and
Coalition, have failed to stand up for the education system they are
supposed to be responsible for.

"The Premier should immediately negotiate top-up payments for public
education in NSW that at least match the deal secured by independent
schools," Dr Kaye said.

For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455

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John Kaye
Greens NSW MP
phone: 0407 195 455
web: www.john.nsw.greens.org.au
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