Respect needed in School Funding debate

Re: Union canes NAB over school funding position (SMH, 27 June)

The funding of Australian schools is a matter of importance for every Australian. The debate over how schools are funded should conducted in a respectful manner.

Every school should be funded properly and every student should have access to a quality education regardless of where they live and their families’ financial circumstances.

The Independent Education Union welcomes organisations and groups both big and small having a say on education funding.

The Schools First initiative which has been set up and supported by a number of organisations will be a boost to schools across Australia and it should be welcomed. The IEU certainly understands the importance of initiative like Schools First which give an extra funding boost to Australian schools.

This debate is too important to be mired in vitriol and I call on everyone to show due respect when discussing this issue.

Chris Watt
Federal Secretary, IEU