Garrett faces forum on schools
FEDERAL Minister for School Education Peter Garrett yesterday assured Ipswich teachers and parents that no school will lose a dollar of funding as a result of the government's national plan for school improvement.
Mr Garrett rejected claims by the Federal Opposition that some schools would be worse off if the recommendations of the Gonski review were put in place.
He answered questions from local principals, teachers and community members about the national plan for school improvement. Mr Garrett was joined by Blair MP Shayne Neumann in the discussions
Mr Garrett said it was vital to continue the grassroots, nationwide discussion that has been taking place since February following the release of the Gonski review of school funding report.
"The Gonski review panel made a number of far-reaching recommendations on how we can develop a new, more effective way of funding every school in Australia," Mr Garrett said.
"There has been some misinformation circulated by the Opposition about funding cuts and hit lists and we want to make it perfectly clear that those claims are just wrong.
"Funding for every school - government, independent and catholic - will continue to rise under our plan for school improvement. We always said no school will lose a dollar of funding per student and that is what we will deliver.
"Our system will be fair, transparent and give all schools long-term certainty about their future funding levels.
"No reform of this size and significance can be implemented without parents, teachers and principals having their say in the outcomes. This is the time for us to share ideas about the issues and challenges facing Australian schools."
