29 May 2008

Ms Julia Gillard

Deputy Prime Minister

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations

Minister for Education

PO Box 6022

House of Representatives

Parliament House

CANBERRA ACT 2600

Dear Ms Gillard

The Independent Education Union of Australia welcomes your comments published in today’s Sydney Morning Herald in relation to education in Australia.

The IEUA shares the view that the divisive debates of the past have no place in developing sound policy and structures to meet the challenges facing education.

For a long time the IEUA has argued for the need for greater transparency in the way in which schools are funded nationally, both government and non-government.  The IEUA believes that the review of school funding over the next four years should ensure that Australia’s education systems are comprehensive and properly resourced so that the MCEETYA Goals of Schooling are met, no matter where students live or which school they go to.

As a matter of priority the IEUA believes that there should be a national funding agreement between the federal government and the states and territories.

The IEUA recognizes the critical role played in schools by highly accomplished teachers and school leaders.  Accordingly the IEUA has long supported the development of integrated career structures to support, nurture and recognise the profession to ensure the delivery of high quality education.

The IEUA looks forward to participating in the conversation on quality education in Australia.

Yours sincerely

Chris Watt

Federal Secretary