The AEU has urged South Australian Education Minister John Gardner to reject the Federal Government’s "unfair and inequitable" school funding arrangement, announced yesterday.
"The Morrison government’s plan to boost funding for the Catholic and independent school sector by $4.6 billion is inequitable and is a step away from needs-based funding arrangements which are largely supported by the community," said AEU SA President, Howard Spreadbury.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s $1.9 billion cuts to public schools in 2018 and 2019 will see $157 million ripped from South Australian public schools - a decision that will leave the state’s more than 170,000 public school students worse off and without the much-needed funding to support their learning.
"In fact, yesterday’s funding announcement from the Morrison Government will not see a single dollar returned to public schools," Mr Spreadbury said.
He urged Minister Gardner to reject the funding arrangement.
"Minister Gardner must honor the original needs-based funding arrangement that was agreed to under the previous State and Federal Labor governments and must not sign any new deal that does not provide the necessary resources to support the needs of public schools."
"Our students cannot afford to miss out on further funding which is now directed to students in Catholic and independent schools."
He said Prime Minister Scott Morrison has made the decision to turn his back on public school students and their families.
"We call on Minister Gardner to do the right thing and stand up for public school students in South Australia."
