“The IEUA has concluded a national seminar in Canberra by agreeing to lobby all Federal politicians on the need for a fairer funding system for all schools.”
“Classroom teachers from Catholic and Independent schools in every electorate will meet with their parliamentary representatives to argue for continued real funding increases for all schools and more targeted funding for special needs students and disadvantaged schools in both the government and non-government sectors.”
“The union welcomes statements by the Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Education Minister Peter Garrett that the ‘private/public school debate’ is over” said Independent Education Union of Australia Federal Secretary Chris Watt.
“We now need a fairer funding system that acknowledges that there is relative privilege and need in both the public school and non-government school systems” he said.
Mr Watt said any new funding system for non-government schools must also apply to the to the government school sector.
“Otherwise privileged, well resourced public schools will continue to draw scarce resources from needy schools.”
“This is a once in a generation chance to base a new funding system on fact rather than prejudice.”
“The conservatives who continue to reduce complex issues of how to have a just system for all students to an outmoded public/private debate will fight hard to protect sectoral interests” he said.
“We have to meet this challenge through a concerted national campaign.”
Contact:
Chris Watt
Federal Secretary Independent Education Union
Ph (02) 6273 3107 0419 259 143