The State and Federal Education Ministers meeting on Friday provides a genuine opportunity for government stakeholders to clarify their execution of the Gonski recommendations, particularly in relation to funding.
While the Independent Education Union of Australia supports a new funding model for Australian schools in 2013, in which loadings are based on school size and location, and extra money is provided for socio-economic status, Aboriginality, English language proficiency and students with disability, the Australian Government needs to be more specific about the way in which the education reform will be funded.
“The foundations of Gonski are critical, and as yet there is no understanding (let alone commitment of funding) as to how any of it will work,” IEUA Federal Secretary Chris Watt said.
“There are still big holes in the data, for not only loads but the base funding.
“There needs to be more certainty in relation to funding allocations, to ensure our member’s job security and quality of work.”
Media Contact: Penny Bradley 0429 020 409 or pbradley@ieu.org.au