Renewing the public education campaign

by Dennis Long

Rank and file members of the Federation are the key to whether the public education campaign can be renewed in 2006.

The gap between the conclusion of the salaries campaign and the state and federal elections in 2007 creates an opportunity for members to be heard in defence of their profession and promoting the valuable work that is done in our schools and colleges. Federation will conduct a coordinated campaign centrally with paid advertising and the release of academic papers to generate debate). However, these central activities can only provide a backdrop for the efforts of members campaigning in their local communities.

Membership action is also important to combat orchestrated attacks on public education by the Federal Government and elements of the media. Federation produces a steady stream of releases to Sydney and regional media and the Senior Officers are available to the media virtually around the clock but this does not guarantee appropriate coverage.

Only one of the three letters Federation President Maree O'Halloran has submitted to the Sydney Morning Herald in the past four years has been printed and a number of Officers and former Officers are of the opinion they must be on a 'do not publish' list at the Herald.

Long letters and letters responding to today's news that arrive after 2pm that day are unlikely to be published in the Herald. This puts many members, particularly full time school teachers, at a great disadvantage. Suburban and regional newspapers tend to be more easily accessed.

Every letter that is submitted and every letter that is published has an impact and members are called on to keep writing. Letters to the Sydney Morning Herald can be emailed to letters@smh.com.au.

Members are also called on to defend and promote public education on talkback radio. Again, school hours and commuting times make this a problem. Remember to plan the points you wish to make, think about how to avoid jargon and have your notes nearby. The talkback phone number for Radio ABC 702 is (02) 8333 1000. The phone number for 2UE 131 332 and for 2GB 131 873.

Dennis Long is the Editor.

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Last Modified: 09 Feb 2006