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We can’t afford another Howard GovernmentA change of government is a pre requisite if there is to be any hope for a change in policy direction, writes ANGELO GAVRIELATOS. On a number of occasions Prime Minister John Howard has expressed concern that Australian history is taught without any sense of structured narrative. This narrative provides an overview of the impact of the Howard government policies on areas of interest and concern to teachers. School educationAimed at accelerating the flow of students from public schools to private schools, the total share of federal funding to public schools has declined since the Howard Government came to power in 1996. In 1996 public schools received 42 per cent of total federal school funding. It decreased to 35 per cent in 2006. If this decline is allowed to continue, public schools will only receive 31 per cent of federal schools funding by 2012. This decline in funding best represents the Howard Government's extreme attack on public education.
TAFEDespite a serious national skills shortage, the Howard Government continues to under-fund TAFE. As a result of under-funding, since 1998 more than 300,000 people have been turned away from TAFE. The Howard Government continues to undermine TAFE by diverting funding away from TAFE through the creation of illusionary alternatives to TAFE including the failed Australian Technical Colleges which to date have not produced a single graduate despite the millions of dollars poured into these institutions.
Aboriginal educationThe educational well being of Indigenous students remains a matter of national disgrace. In the Northern Territory alone it is estimated that there are as many as 5000 Indigenous students who miss out on access to basic secondary education. Many thousands of Indigenous students are missing out on pre-school and early childhood education programs.
Non English speaking background migrant and refugee studentsIn his statement on January 25, 2006 John Howard said "...we expect [new Australians] to master the common language of English" yet his government is responsible for the scandalous under-funding of essential English language programs for non English speaking background migrant and refugee students. It is estimated that the current shortfall in federal funding necessary for the provision of required English language services is $85 million per annum.
Early childhoodThe Howard Government continues to refuse to accept responsibility for funding and supporting quality early childhood learning. Research shows that by the time children begin the 'compulsory' years of schooling many of the factors contributing to future inequality are evident. Disparities in access to early childhood learning are further exacerbating those inequalities.
Industrial relationsWorkChoices represents the most serious attack on working people and their families seen in the past century. It proves that the Howard Government works for the unfettered rights of employers over employees. Our students have been amongst the first and most acutely affected by these extreme laws.The Howard Government has been responsible for the most regressive and reactionary policy seen in this nation in the last 40 years, if not longer. If the social institutions so vital for a vibrant, socially cohesive and prosperous Australia -- that is free, secular and universally accessible public education and a fair industrial relations system -- are to thrive and survive, Australia needs a change in policy direction. Angelo Gavrielatos is the Deputy President.
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