The Independent Education Union of Australia condemns a report released by the Centre for Independent Studies, which advocates fees for public school students from high-income families.
Federal Secretary Chris Watt said the non-government teachers union was bewildered by the assertion that less funding provision for Australian education amounted to better educational outcomes for students.
“Tax cuts under previous governments have already served to put the budget under pressure,” he said.
“This is not a time for tearing apart our social fabric. It’s time for governments to fund Australian education, not cut contributions; ensuring its legislative obligation to provide an equitable and excellent education for all Australian students.”
“This proposal is misleading and potentially destructive.”
“Like health, public education is central to Australia’s social agenda and there is an absolute necessity for governments to commit to ensuring adequate income for funding social goods and services,” Mr Watt said.
The IEUA calls on both sides of politics to commit to the building of social capital and the ongoing commitment to providing Australian students with the highest quality education.