IEU writes to new Shadow Minister for Education

18 December 2006, 8:50pm

The IEU has written to the new Shadow Education Minister Stephen Smith to both congratulate him on his acceptance of the new portfolio and to clarify matters raised in a report in The Australian newspaper on 12 December.

Dear Mr Smith

First, congratulations on your appointment to the Education and Training portfolio. The IEU looks forward to working with you over the coming period.

The IEU representing over 63,000 staff employed in non-government schools across Australia has a long and proud history of not only representing the interests of its members but constructively and positively engaging in conversations about issues facing the education industry and the teaching profession in particular.

The IEU believes that it is critical that the ALP clearly distinguishes itself from the populist and ideologically driven policies of the current federal government, particularly in relation to education and training.

In this context the IEU welcomes your comments (reported in The Australian newspaper 12 December 2006) in relation to funding on the basis of need and fairness. Further the IEU welcomes your consideration of the broader training and education opportunities for students completing secondary schooling.

However, the IEU is very concerned at attributed comments suggesting that teachers ‘be marked on their performance' and ‘accept more assessment'.

It is entirely unclear to the IEU what is meant by such statements and potentially leads to similar nonsensical notions proposed by the current federal Education Minister.

It is disappointing that the national education debate, fuelled by some in the media, has for some time focused on negativity that is frankly tired and unhelpful. The IEU would hope that the ALP could engender a more positive and uplifting consideration of important education issues. The IEU believes that both our members and their students deserve no less.

The IEU would welcome the opportunity to discuss current issues. Enclosed is a copy of the IEU's executive statements on a range of current education matters.

Contact details

Lynne Rolley
Federal Secretary
Ph: 03 9254 1830
Fax: 03 9254 1835
ieu@ieu.org.au