“Business and corporate support for schools and students is not a new concept in schools but one that needs careful management, consideration and parameters” said Independent Education Union Federal Secretary Lynne Rolley.
“For years and years businesses and even individuals have supported schools through annual prize nights, the provision of goods and services for fund raising and even support to ensure that students and their families can meet the costs involved in state and national sporting endeavours” she said.
“But what beggars belief is the latest statement from Federal Minister Bishop who has told the Australian community that “schools should encourage corporate sponsorship because it is beyond the capacity of governments to give them the resources they deserve.”
“This from the government that tells us daily that the Australian economy is booming and has never been stronger; and that over the last several budgets has given tax cuts to workers because of increased surpluses, said Ms Rolley.
“This is not what Australians want. They would rather forgo the $10 in their pay packet meted out by the Treasurer at budget time,” she said.
They want high quality, publicly funded services for their families. This is part of the government’s social contract of responsibilities with the community”, said Ms Rolley.
“The Minister is abrogating her part in this contract and should resign if she does not have the capacity or clout to argue the case for education’s proper share at the cabinet table.
“Let us clarify from the outset the difference between philanthropic endeavour and corporate publicity or promotion. “The core business of business corporations is not to help run the country’s education system. They may make important contributions to enrich the opportunities in our schools and that is welcomed by schools, said Ms Rolley.
But there have been examples of very poor and exploitative practices by some businesses in pursuing this. The IEUA pointed to the practices of Procter and Gamble, the manufacturer of many common household items from toothpaste to laundry detergents, who produced a variety of educational packages including ‘Decision Earth’, which was distributed to almost 75,000 schools in the US.
‘Decision Earth’ contained some highly controversial claims on waste disposal, mining and forestry issues. They argued in their package that disposable diapers/nappies are no worse for the environment than cloth diapers, a claim based on scientific studies funded by Procter and Gamble. The company just happens to be the world’s largest manufacturer of disposable nappies although this wasn’t mentioned in the package. There have been many such examples.
In the end, no matter where you live or how much you earn, every Australian should be able to expect from government the provision of high quality public services. Minister Bishop needs to understand and deliver this fundamental right – or resign.
Contact details
Lynne Rolley
Federal Secretary
Ph: 03 9254 1830
Fax: 03 9254 1835
ieu@ieu.org.au