School gate protest for Dr Nelson

Dr Brendan Nelson...turned his back on public education

by Gary Zadkovich

Federal Education Minister Dr Brendan Nelson met a loud protest against Federal Government funding policies when he visited Mount Annan High School on March 12.

About 80 parents, principals and teachers demonstrated their rejection of Howard Government funding policies, which gives only 26 per cent of recurrent Commonwealth funding to public schools.

Dr Nelson tried to address the crowd and blame state governments for not funding public education adequately. When challenged to declare how much money the Howard Government proposed to give to private schools, he repeatedly dodged the question and eventually stormed off.

Dr Nelson and local Liberal MP Pat Farmer were clearly upset by the rejection of their policies as they walked into the school.

Once inside, they were met by teachers wearing stickers, "Public Education -- It Is Our Future".

At a school assembly, they listened to speeches acknowledging the positive values taught in public schools like Mount Annan High School. Teachers presented a protest letter to Dr Nelson at the conclusion of the visit.

To round off a day of rejection for Dr Nelson and Pat Farmer, they later met with 18 primary principals to hear why they were banned from visiting Campbelltown primary schools.

The politicians were told the bans would remain in place until the Prime Minister retracts his statements attacking the values taught in Australian public schools.

Gary Zadkovich is Administration Officer (Media and Communications).

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Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005