Senate Must Pass Schools Assistance Bill Now

“The Senate must immediately pass the Schools Assistance Bill without further delay or put at risk over 144,000 jobs in the non-government school sector”, says Chris Watt, Federal Secretary of the Independent Education Union of Australia.

“The current posturing and political grand-standing by the Opposition spokesperson for Education is nothing more than scare-mongering.”

“Education programs for local needs, learning philosophies and alternative student certifications are not at risk in the development of a national curriculum. Certainly not based on the many consultation meetings and briefings that I have attended” said Chris Watt.

“Non-government schools have to receive, sign and return contracts before the end of this year for money to flow in 2009.  This can only happen if the Schools Assistance Bill passes without delay ” said Mr Watt.

“Apparently in the midst of the current global financial crisis, concerns about consumer confidence in the local economy, the Opposition Education spokesperson believes that it is okay to play politics with the livelihoods of teaching, administrative, support and clerical staff in non-government schools” he said.

Contact:

Chris Watt

Federal Secretary Independent Education Union

Ph        (02) 6273 3107                         0419 259 143