Independents pledge support for Gonski implementation

The Australian Education Union has urged the Federal Government to push ahead with legislation based on the recommendations of the Gonski Review after three key Independent MPs pledged their support.

Rob Oakeshott (Lyne), Tony Windsor (New England) and Andrew Wilkie (Denison) all said there would be great benefit for children and the nation in increasing the funding delivered for schools and improving the way it was allocated to better meet the needs of students.

Watch the video messages the Independent MPs have recorded here: 

http://www.facebook.com/igiveagonski/videos 

AEU Federal President Angelo Gavrielatos said: “Independent MPs and the Australian Greens know that there is too much at stake not to act urgently on school funding.

“The message from the Gonski Review could not be clearer: the current funding system is broken and it is failing too many of our students.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity to get school funding right and put in place fairer arrangements for our future. 

“The Gonski Review makes it clear we urgently need to invest an extra $5 billion a year in schools ($3.8 billion in public schools).

“A greater investment in local public schools means more teachers, smaller class sizes and greater individual support. It’s a small price to pay for ensuring that every child across the country is getting the education they deserve.”

 The AEU launched its new I give a Gonski campaign on Sunday with national TV advertising. Over 11,000 people have already registered their support on the campaign website www.igiveagonski.com.au.