Australia: national day of action for education funding reform
Parents, teachers and principals across Australia will be taking part in a national day of action on 24 July to urge politicians to commit to boosting resources for schools and funding reform.
As part of I give a Gonski campaign day on 24 July, schools and parents will take part in a range of activities including morning teas with local MPs, coordinated phone-ins to politicians’ offices and online action. Nearly 30,000 people have already pledged their support for the Gonski review recommendations.
Urgent overhaulCommissioned by the Federal Government, the Gonski review of school funding found that Australia is investing far too little in education. It recommended an urgent overhaul of the way schools are funded. Gonski recommends an A$5 billion annual increase in school funding, equivalent to an average boost of A$1500 per student for public schools.
“The time for talking is over and now parents and teachers just want to see action from our politicians,” said Angelo Gavrielatos, President of EI’s affiliate, Australian Education Union.
EI: Government responsibilityEI President Susan Hopgood stated: “Governments should invest a substantial proportion of the state budget in education to constantly improve its quality and equality of access. They have the key responsibility for ensuring that free, universally accessible education is well-resourced and constantly updated and developed. Let’s not forget that education is both a human right and a public good.”
Click here now to show your support to the AEU campaign, I Give a Gonski
I give a Gonski posters and other resources can be downloaded here
