Public education advocates representing teachers, students, parents and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have issued a joint statement demanding the Albanese Government fully fund public schools. Teachers will rally outside Federal Education Minister, Jason Clare’s office this afternoon.
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***RALLY FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION*** Rally will happen at 4pm today, outside Jason Clare’s electorate office at 400 Chapel Road, Bankstown. |
NSW public schools face a $1.9 billion funding gap this year alone. And over the next four years, NSW departmental analysis shows the federal government will provide $24.2 billion to the state's 970 non-government schools, but only $14.3 billion to the 2200 public schools.
“A ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ offer to the NSW government is unconscionable given the entrenched pain our schools are feeling after decades of failure at all levels of government to properly resource public education,” the joint statement says. “Holding our kids’ future ransom is completely unacceptable.
“We are seeing public school funding – the cornerstone of a healthy democratic society – being used once again as a political football in a morally bankrupt game of blame shifting.
“Chronic underfunding is having a corrosive impact on our entire public school system. Schools are being forced to merge classes, run classes without teachers and cut specialist programs. In NSW, we are seeing the highest teacher shortages in the country.”
Henry Rajendra, President of the NSW Teachers Federation, said it was time for a firm commitment from the Albanese Government. "Insufficient resources in schools come at a steep cost to students. The Prime Minister needs to understand that students lagging in reading, writing, and maths, as well as those with disability or learning challenges, miss out when our schools are underfunded.
“Every child deserves a decent shot in life and that can only happen by fully funding our public schools. Ultimately, the Federal Government is the only level of government with the financial firepower to fully support public schools. The Prime Minister and Education Minister must take action and deliver the crucial funding our students need.
"This is more than a moral duty; it's an economic imperative. The students of today will become tomorrow's critical workforce and community leaders. It’s time for the Prime Minister to step up."
To arrange interview: Nick Lucchinelli 0422 229 032