[Greens-Media] Pyne picks wrong approach to fix remote schools

[Forsyth, Danielle (Sen P. Wright)]

Senator Penny Wright and Senator Rachel Siewert
PRESS RELEASE
1 July 2014
Pyne picks wrong approach to fix remote schools



The Abbott Government's huge cuts to indigenous programs and education will hold back students in remote indigenous schools despite Education Minister Christopher Pyne's Direct Instruction plan, say the Australian Greens.



Australian Greens spokesperson for schools Senator Penny Wright said the Coalition's abandonment of the Gonski funding model would see remote schools miss out on millions of dollars that would have helped attract and retain specialist literacy teachers.



"The Gonski review of school funding clearly showed a lack of funding and resources was to blame for the huge learning gaps between kids in the city and remote areas," Senator Wright said.



"Mr Pyne's Direct Instruction plan only looks at one part of the problem and ignores the broader evidence about what makes a difference in schools.



"This Government came in saying they wanted to end Canberra command and control - now they want to be looking over the shoulder of every teacher in a remote classroom."



Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues said Senator Rachel Siewert cuts to funding for other indigenous programs would undercut efforts to close the education and employment gaps for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.



"Cutting $534 million funding from other areas is likely to undermine the effectiveness of improved education programs," Senator Siewert said.



"The Government's approach needs to go beyond truancy and provide quality education in cooperation and collaboration with communities at every step of the way. Imposing regimes on communities without cooperation will not deliver the long term reforms we need."

Media contact:       Senator Wright   -   Danielle Forsyth   0417 173 508
Senator Siewert   -    Chris Redman   0418 401 180