NSW Greens MLC John Kaye’s anti-non-government school stance is laid bare in his attack today, said Independent Education Union Federal Secretary Chris Watt.
“At no point does Mr Kaye acknowledge that advantage and disadvantage exist in both government and non-government schools,” said Mr Watt.
“An article in the Sydney Morning Herald today pointed out that “The education gap is similar for both public and private schools in affluent areas”.
“At no point does or has Mr Kaye ever suggested that there are many non-government schools serving communities with significant need very often with less financial resources than government schools.
“Mr Kaye also ignores the engagement of non-government schools in the provision of quality education in this country within mandated teacher registration, assessment, curriculum and reporting requirements.
“Essentially Mr Kaye’s attack on the “wealthiest private schools” is an attack on the wages, working conditions and very likely job security of IEU members.
“All non-government school workers should be concerned about this ‘thin-end-of-the-wedge’ approach,” said Mr Watt.