Rally opposes entrenching privilege

The Lindfield electoral office of Federal Education Minister and Bradfield MP Dr Brendan Nelson was the scene of a protest rally on May 20.

Teacher Mark Goudkamp said the Federal Budget saw the Liberal Government "accelerate its funding favouritism towards private schools".

"As of 2004, in Nelson's own seat of Bradfield, there were 11 private schools which each received over $1 million in federal government handouts. Six of these, including St Pius X College, Brigidine College, Presbyterian Ladies College, Knox Grammar and Abbotsleigh got over $2 million. The latter's level of federal funding soared 78.1 per cent between 2001-04," Mr Goudkamp said.

Middle Harbour Teachers Association President Gemma Ackroyd said: "This shows just how unaccountable this government is with public money. Its generous subsidies don't decrease fees at these elite schools. They are becoming multi-million dollar profit makers while many public schools in Nelson's electorate have numerous 'temporary' demountable classrooms or substandard toilet blocks.

"His contribution to school education is to entrench privilege," she said.

Mr Goudkamp said Dr Nelson had 'scapegoated' teachers on literacy and had claimed public school teachers don't teach values.

He said the Howard Government funded private schools ahead of public schools, was opposing compulsory student unionism and advocated putting university academics and TAFE teachers on individual contracts.

He said about 60 people, including teachers, students, parents and university students heard speeches from people including Federation Organiser Fionie Stavert, Mosman High School SRC representative Peter Gallagher, NSW P&C representative Di Butland, National Tertiary Education representative Stuart Rosewarne, National Union of Students representative Beck Doran and Bennelong for Refugees representative Nick Maguire-Rosier.

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Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005