26 April 2002

The AEU today joined a delegation of public education organisations in a visit to Sydney's Villawood Detention Centre to demand access to public education for children in detention.

"The UN says all children in Australia's care, regardless of their status, are entitled to the same education as all other Australian children," AEU Deputy Federal Secretary, Susan Hopgood said at Villawood today. "But Minister Ruddock believes that minimal and occasional programs are good enough for the children of asylum seekers."

"It doesn't have to be this way. Australia's public schools are keen to enrol these children and provide them with language skills, trauma counselling and the opportunity to socialise with other children in Australia," said Ms Hopgood.

"During Global Action Week we are reminded that so many children all over the world are denied access to basic education. It is sobering to think that our government doesn't extend that right to all children living in Australia," said Ms Hopgood who is also a Vice-President of Education International.

"We commend Dr Ken Boston, Director-General of Education and Training in NSW, for his offer to provide ESL and counselling resources to public schools for the children of asylum seekers," said Ms Hopgood.

Global Action Week (April 22-28) is one of several events organised by the Global Campaign for Education, a world-wide coalition of trade unions and community organisations. The Australian Education Union (AEU) is a participant in this campaign as an affiliate of Education International.

The campaign's focus is to put pressure on governments to provide free, quality public education for all. Australian teachers are focusing on the education of children in detention centres.

For more information on the Global Campaign for Education, go to www.campaignforeducation.org

Contact:
AEU Federal President, Denis Fitzgerald on 0416 254 154 or
AEU Deputy Federal Secretary, Susan Hopgood on mob. 0419 545 330