Public school students let down

The Australian Education Union today expressed bitter disappointment at Labor’s
decision to break its promise to introduce a new school funding system before the 2013
election.

AEU Federal President Angelo Gavrielatos said it was clear Labor had caved in to
pressure from private schools and put their interests before those of the two thirds of
students who attend public schools.

“The decision to delay until 2014 the start of a new funding system means Labor will
not have changed in almost seven years a system which they have repeatedly
acknowledged is flawed and failing to deliver for all children,” Mr Gavrielatos said.

“This funding system, introduced by the Howard Government, delivers only one third of
federal funding to public schools which teach two thirds of students. The private schools
that get the most funding are the richest in the nation."

“It is a funding system that is biased against public schools and blind to the real needs of
students, families and teachers," he said.

“Even with the unprecedented school rebuilding program, Labor will still have delivered
$12 billion more to private schools than public schools by 2013."

“Private schools are funded regardless of their wealth, income or the real needs of their
students. The system is so corrupted by political deals, half the private schools receive
more than they are entitled to."

“That alone costs taxpayers $800 million a year. It is this corrupted funding system,
which extends privilege not opportunity, that private schools have fought so hard to
keep."

“It is now clear that neither Labor nor the Coalition will change this funding system
before the 2013 election."

“The Coalition has promised to keep this school funding system intact until 2016 and to
cut $3 billion from the education budget."

“Australians need a government that will put public schools first,” Mr Gavrielatos said.

Source: AEU Media Release