The Fair Funding Now! campaign has been launched in seven locations across four federal electorates in the state, attracting hundreds of teachers ready to drive the campaign forward into the next federal election.
The local campaign launches were an opportunity for teachers, principals, parents and community members to come together to celebrate achievements made as a result of needs-based funding, while also sending a message to Federal Coalition MPs that their decision to deny NSW schools $856 million in 2018/19 would be a significant factor in determining voters’ actions at the ballot box next election.
Two very well attended events took place in the seat of Gilmore, with more than 150 people attending meetings in Mollymook and Bomaderry.
Gilmore, on the South Coast, is held by Liberal Ann Sudmalis who sits on a two-candidate preferred margin of just 1503 votes, making it the most marginal seat in NSW.
Participants in the Gilmore events spoke of the aspirations they have for future programs and initiatives in their school communities. They committed to continuing to grow the campaign in the local area to do all they can to ensure members of the broader community understand the negative effects of the Turnbull schools funding policy.
Supporters in the seat of Page, the Coalition’s fourth most marginal seat, came together in Lismore, Grafton and Sandy Beach to hear from Federation President Maurie Mulheron who, when interviewed by local media, stated he did not understand “why so many National Party members at the federal level vote to cut money from their local public schools”.
Well-attended launches were also held in the metropolitan seat of Banks and the Central Coast seat of Robertson, where parents and supporters promised to spread the campaign further into the community.
For more information or to sign-up as a campaign volunteer, visit www.fairfundingnow.org.au.
Jason Gerke Campaign Coordinator