Penrith principals discuss school funding with David Bradbury MP

Minister Bradbury said the Federal Government are committed to implementing the Gonski recommendations

The forum provided an opportunity for principals to raise the concerns of their local school communities

On Wednesday 17 October, Federal Member for Lindsay, David Bradbury MP, met with Catholic, state and independent primary and secondary school principals at St Nicholas of Myra Primary School, Penrith to discuss school funding.

Principals, on behalf of their primary and secondary school communities, used the opportunity to state their opposition to the State Government’s plan to cut $1.7billion from school funding and seek clarity from the Federal Government about their ongoing support.

In his discussion with principals, Minister Bradbury said the Australian Government is committed to delivering the Gonski recommendations and increasing their investment in education.

‘Schools will continue to receive increased funding from where they are today, we’ve given that commitment to reassure people that this is not about ripping money out of schools to increase the overall investment in the sector,‘ said Minister Bradbury.

‘We hope that this commitment provides sufficient reassurance to people that this is an exercise about increasing overall investment, not simply redistributing the existing investment that occurs within education.’

Anne Hines, principal of St Nicholas of Myra Primary School, said she appreciated the opportunity to discuss education issues with her federal member.

'It was a genuine and open forum,” said Anne. 'David was willing to listen to all principals and assistant principals from all sectors as to how they were feeling about the State government’s move to cut school funding.'

Richard Blissenden, principal of Corpus Christi Primary School, Cranebrook, said it was important to share the concerns of his school community.

‘I have many parents who’ve told me that although they don’t usually speak out on issues, they felt compelled to approach their local member on this issue because education is so important,’ said Richard.  ‘David said he would take our concerns back to the Federal Education Minister Peter Garrett MP, and present them at the Council of Australian Government’s meeting.’

Federal Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth, Peter Garret was scheduled to attend the meeting but unfortunately was unable to. David Bradbury said another date for state and Catholic school principals to meet with Minister Garrett would be scheduled.

Whilst the Federal Government has said there will be no decrease in school funding, it remains unclear how schools will be funded beyond 2014. For more information and resources about the school funding issue, visit: www.parra.catholic.edu.au/schoolfunding

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