Maintaining our great public schools

By Maree O’Halloran

Chronic under funding of public education by both federal and state governments is exposed by the state of our schools.

The Vinson Inquiry substantiated and made public the reports of teachers, parents and students about poor maintenance in the public system. In part, Professor Vinson said:

"The direct observation of conditions in more than 140 schools and the numerous submissions received on this aspect of school life...have left the Inquiry in no doubt about the frequently sub-standard conditions in which teacher and learning are being attempted."

Deteriorating school buildings, poor or non existent amenities and cramped conditions for students and teachers exist at many schools across the state. Those conditions are unworthy of the work carried out within them and they give a poor impression to the public. They are symptomatic of the fact that governments do not value public education. They indicate a lack of respect for our profession and our students.

The State Government has increased the absolute dollar amount spent on new buildings and repairs in recent years. However, that increase has been completely inadequate given that the building stock is aging and school infrastructure was allowed to run down in the lead up to and post the 2000 Olympics. Furthermore, as Professor Vinson noted there is no systematic register to show what work is needed and when it is completed.

The Federal Government, following Federation's strong public education campaign, announced during the 2004 federal election an extra $1 billion for small capital work projects in schools. For the first time since the Howard Government was elected in 1996, that funding has been split 70:30 in favour of public schools.

It is very likely, however, that this funding is intended to create a 'slush' fund for local Federal Coalition MPs under pressure about their iniquitous funding policies. Furthermore, the Federal Government's decision to bypass the state governments and allocate funds to public school parent organisations will disadvantage those school communities without a strong local parent organisation and engage local parent groups in a bidding war with each other.

Following Council decisions in September and October 2004, Federation organised for schools to complete a maintenance audit to be sent to the Minister, Director-General and local members. Federation also supported the progress through the NSW Parliament of legislation to develop a Department of Education and Training asset register in line with Professor Vinson's recommendations.

Federation has called on the State Government to allocate in real terms increased funding for maintenance in public schools in the 2005 State Budget. This increase is to be fully funded and not at the expense of other improvements required.

Federation has also called on the Federal Government to allocate the $700 million funding over four years for public school capital works projects in a fair and orderly manner. The best method would be via a block grant to the State Government for direction of funds to the most needy schools first. Ironically, the private school component of this funding will be distributed via block grants. Private school parent groups are not expected to engage in bidding wars with each other.

Maree O'Halloran is the President.

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March 2005 contents