[Greens-Media] Dumb Cuts Will Fail Our Future

[Franks, Office]

May 14, 2013

Dumb Cuts Will Fail Our Future

Students at Adelaide University will walk out of class at noon today as part of a nationwide protest against tertiary funding cuts. Greens' education spokesperson, Tammy Franks MLC, will join students at the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) rally, to be held at the Ligertwood Plaza at noon.

"Today across the country, students, university staff and the community will stand together to protest against the stripping of $2.3 billion from our universities," Ms Franks said.

"These cuts just don't add up.

"Ripping billions from our universities to go to schools won't give Australia the world-class education system we need.

"The Greens believe that tertiary education is an opportunity that should be open to all Australians, not just a privileged few.

"Here in South Australia, our universities stand to lose more than $30 million in these cuts and this will have a significant impact on student learning.

"Instead of crippling the institutions that drive our knowledge economy, the Government should fix the mining tax so that big miners actually pay their fair share.

"As bad as Labor's cuts are, we know that Tony Abbott's plans are worse.

"That is why it is crucial that we return South Australian Greens' Senator Sarah-Hanson Young to the Senate, so that there is a strong voice to stand up to Abbott's dangerous agenda.

"The Greens understand that proper investment in education will create a smarter, more caring society for all," Ms Franks concluded.

Ms Franks will speak at today's NTEU rally at Ligertwood Plaza, Adelaide University, from noon.

Visit www.dumbcuts.org.au for more information.

Media enquiries - Lauren Zwaans on 0457 549 938


________________________________

The information in this e-mail may be confidential and/or legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, access to it is unauthorised and any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it is prohibited and may be unlawful.