Bondi Public School parents Wilma Sherliker and Penny Vaughan (top) were among the teachers and parents who got stuck into the politicians about education policy at a meet the candidates forum at Randwick Boys High School. Politicians who addressed the meeting were (from bottom left) John Kaye, Kristina Keneally and Peter Debnam.

Public education push on NSW politicians

By Kerri Carr

Public education communities around the state have been holding events to apply maximum pressure on state election candidates in the lead up to the polls.

Federation's priority demands have been voiced on many occasions.

On February 26 Bondi District P&C Council held a meet the candidates meeting at Randwick Boys high school. The event was supported by Eastern Suburbs and Inner City Teachers Associations.

ALP, Greens and Liberal candidates in the seats of Heffron, Coogee, Maroubra and Vaucluse attended.

A spokesman for each party addressed the meeting: Vaucluse MP and Opposition leader Peter Debnam (Liberal), Upper House Greens candidate John Kaye and Heffron MP Kristina Keneally (ALP).

Public Education Dinners were held at Mittagong on February 20 and Nowra on February 28.

When state MPs Richard Amery and Allan Shearan attended a BBQ welcoming new teachers to Chifley College on February 23, the Federation Representative and principal of each campus presented co-signed letters of demand to the MPs.

Teachers also spoke with Mt Druitt State MP Richard Amery when he met Plumpton High School's beginning teachers on March 5.

The Nepean Public Education Your Rights at Work campaign was launched at Penrith on March 5.

Meet the candidates forums organised by local Teachers Associations covered electorates including: Cronulla, Miranda, Heathcote, Menai, Manly, Wakehurst, Pittwater, Charlestown, Swansea and Lake Macquarie, Wyong, The Entrance, Lake Macquarie, Gosford, Terrigal, Willoughby, Port Macquarie and Albury.

Singleton Teachers Association formed a campaign committee to pursue issues with local candidates and seek responses, advertise locally and encourage direct contact with MPs.

Associations including Manning River, Myall Lakes, Raymond Terrace, Gloucester, Morisset, Dungog, Wingham, Bulahdelah and Lake Macquarie Teachers Associations have written to candidates in their respective electorates asking for a written response to the Public Education demands.

Hawkesbury, The Hills and the Blue Mountains Teachers Associations have done letter writing and organised deputations to candidates.

Press releases about increased funding for school maintenance, support for beginning teachers, support for students with identified needs, pre-school education for all children and more support for transition to high school featuring quotes from western Sydney schools have also been issued.

Canterbury-Bankstown Teachers Association was due to hold a 'speak-out' near Morris Iemma's office on March 15.

Bondi Public School parents Wilma Sherliker and Penny Vaughan (top) were among the teachers and parents who got stuck into the politicians about education policy at a meet the candidates forum at Randwick Boys High School. Politicians who addressed the meeting were (from bottom left) John Kaye, Kristina Keneally and Peter Debnam.

Risks for public education and teachers

Party policies evaluated

Barwon candidates outline their priorities

Beginning teachers miss out

Tebbutt and Hazzard in their own words

Coalition dangerous for your rights at work

Don't forget the independents

Federation win for beginning teachers

Statewide staffing system at risk

Superannuation and your vote

Will your vote elect a candidate you do not support?

For further information

March 2007 contents