The Australia Education Union today launched its Gonski campaign in Burnie aimed at encouraging people to “vote for public education” at the federal election.
The North West Coast is a region of high need and will receive around $90 million under the federal government’s Gonski school funding reform.
The AEU is ramping up activities ahead of the 7 September federal election with a host of community and school events aimed at encouraging people to vote for the best deal for their local public school.
Under the Liberal Party’s Gonski plan, public education would receive less than one third the funding committed by The Greens and Labor.
Rod Viney, AEU Gonski campaign coordinator, said the federal government’s Gonski school funding reform was targeted at need and therefore be of great benefit to the North West Coast.
“We are hitting the streets talking to parents and visiting schools to spread the word that if you want to secure the full Gonski funding over six years you have to vote for it,” he said.
“The Greens and Labor are committing to the full $10 billion of Gonski funding over six years while the Liberal Party has committed to just four years – that means a commitment of less one third the funding of the other parties.”
Romaine Primary School in Burnie will host a candidates’ education forum next Thursday, 5 September, where politicians will be grilled on their commitment to Gonski funding.
Romaine Primary School will benefit by nearly $2 million over six years under the federal government’s Gonski plan.
Tasmania will receive around $380 million as part of the federal government’s six year Gonski plan but less under the Coalition which has committed funds for the first four years only.
Rod Viney, AEU Gonski campaign coordinator
