Statement from the Shadow Minister for Education
Posted: Tuesday, 21 February 2012 | By: James Merlino
Shadow Minister for Education James Merlino today welcomed the Gonski review, saying it was the first step by the Federal Government in reforming the way education is funded.
“We wholeheartedly support the Federal Government's aim to make education funding fairer and more transparent,” Mr Merlino said.
“Making sure that each school has the resources they need to get the best possible outcomes for their students, no matter what their background, is an aim that we should all embrace.
“Victorian Labor recognises the importance of parental choice as to where their children attend school, and we welcome the report’s recommendations that support funding the non-government sector.
“I welcome the proposals in the report to address disadvantage in the education system – particularly for students with disabilities who require extra resources to participate in school.
“The report foreshadows an overall increase in investment in education to the tune of the $5 billion dollars, and it is clear that Victoria will have to play its part and invest more money into our schools to get the results.
“It is the responsibility of the Commonwealth, and State and Territory Governments to make sure schools have the resources they need.
“Unfortunately, in the past 15 months the Baillieu Government has slashed $481 million from Victoria’s education budget, and abandoned Labor's Victorian Schools Plan to rebuild, renovate or extend every Victorian government school by 2016-17.
“Instead of cutting funding, Mr Baillieu must act to help strengthen our schools and make sure his Government does its part in preparing Victorian schools and children for the future.
“The Prime Minister has said consultation is the next step and Victoria must be prominent in this process.”