The federal government’s review of school funding has already seen the usual lies and misinformation spread about in relation to the funding of non-government schools.
There will be considerable effort made by some advocates to impress their particular views, and unbalanced perspective, on the review panel.
The IEU has a responsibility “to support the existence of non-government schools and to support the right of access of such schools to public funding on an equitable and accountable basis” [Federal Rules 5(v)]
IEU members are therefore encouraged to be involved in the review, to get informed about the facts, to talk to colleagues and where possible, make representation on behalf of their school or sector.
IEU Branches committed at the Federal Executive meeting in November 2010 to a campaign strategy across all Branches during 2011 and engagement in the campaign including member representations to federal members of parliament and senators.
Not only have we seen the all too familiar distortion with the half truth of two thirds of the money going to one third of the students but campaigns that essentially propose a reduction of ‘on average’ $3,200 per non-government student funding. Such a proposal would have a devastating impact on the non-government school sector and would inevitably lead to school closures and job losses.
All members are encouraged to get informed, get involved and get active.
To find out what you can do, click here