Political machinations surrounding Gonski funding intriguing

Dear Editor,

Cowra Teachers Association has written to the State Member for Burrinjuck, Katrina Hodgkinson to commend her government for its open and honest support for the extension of fair and equitable funding of education in the Federal Budget.

The 'Gonski' funding model NSW signed up to last year for six years is based on need. Funds are provided to help overcome disadvantages like isolation and socio-economic inequality.

Over the full six years Cowra High School, for example would have received around $3.5 million in extra funding.

Mulyan Public School would have received over $2 million and Cowra Public School, more than $1.5 million.

This would have had an enormous impact on our children's education.

Most of the funding was to come in the final two years.

This has evaporated in the budget put forward by Treasurer, Joe Hockey.

The Federal Budget, if realised, will greatly disadvantage education for children in regional areas like Cowra.

The 'difficult decisions' Mr Abbott talks about with his budget are likely to fall most heavily on our children.

The Association has also written to the Member for Hume, Angus Taylor, calling on him to urge the Prime Minister and the Treasurer to revise their budget plans and to fund education for all Australians for the full six years.

The underlying principle, funding on the basis of need, must be maintained.

Fair and equitable funding of our children's education is essential.

Readers would find the political machinations intriguing.

A State Liberal Government signs up to a program which is fair & equitable and will benefit our children.

A Federal Liberal Government makes a 'difficult decision' to tear down the same program.

Sincerely,

Glenn Johnson

President,

Cowra Teachers Association