Education reform for Australian children is at risk. Prime Minister Julia Gillard says the opposition’s plan led by Tony Abbott would cause kids to miss out on over $16 billion in funding.
Abbott's group opposes the new Gonski education reforms, claiming children will be no worse off without them. The Gonski model aims to even out disadvantages among students by allocating extra money for indigenous and low-income kids and those with disabilities and language barriers.
All states would be hurt by cuts to funds needed for literacy coaches, extra teacher's aides and other crucial resources, says Gillard.
Her figures show that the difference between embracing the reforms and letting the opposition have its way is “staggering,” and she says all parents should be aware of the consequences if Abbott should prevail.
Australia has everything to gain by supporting education, and it could lose a great deal if it doesn't.
Tell Australia to support increased funding for schools!
We, the undersigned, believe education is too important to exploit as the object of a political battle.
According to Redland Times, David Gonski’s “sweeping review” of Australia’s education system found that the current funding program is broken. Treasurer Wayne Swan, in his Budget speech, also admitted the system was broken and it was “failing” the country’s children.
Nevertheless, the opposition has rejected these findings and refused to accept that reform is needed. Abbott says he wants to wait until there is a “consensus” on the need for reform, but at what cost?
A country could not possibly go wrong by increasing funding to schools, but if the Prime Minister is correct, it could head seriously backwards if it doesn’t.
We request that Australia do what’s best for its children and support the Gonski reforms and increased funding for schools.
Thanks for your time.
