PISA results confirm hard work of schools in challenging circumstances

"Australia’s above OECD average achievements in each of scientific, reading and mathematical literacy are an indication of the commitment and dedication of this nation’s teachers and school staff" said Independent Education Union of Australia Assistant Federal Secretary Chris Watt.

"In spite of poor government policy and inadequate funding over the past decade, Australian students have been highly competitive in the international surveys such as the just released 2006 PISA study" he said.

"Australia spends less on education and active labour market programs such as training than a majority of developed OECD countries."

"Compared to education, training and research in North America, Western Europe, Singapore, Korea and China, Australia is going backwards. Our total spending on education was once well above the OECD average. Now it is below the OECD average and falling."

"Amazingly this has occurred against a background of an economy that has been expanding for at least a decade" said Mr Watt

"The previous Federal Government failed to properly invest in the nation’s educational infrastructure."

"For instance, despite the importance of early learning (for 3 to 5 year olds) – the foundation for everything that happens later - the Howard government spent a tiny 0.1% of GDP on early learning or one-fifth of the OECD average" said Chris Watt

"The government failed to provide the resources which would ensure that every child has the opportunity to realise their potential" he said.

"A nation of our wealth and prosperity deserves a better deal on education than what the previous government provided."

"IEU members, teachers and school support staff, look forward to collaborating with the incoming federal government to redress these issues and to ensure our students remain internationally competitive"

Australia´s performance in PISA 2006

Contact

Chris Watt 0419259143

Assistant Federal Secretary 02 6273 3107