On Friday 17 April, 2009, the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA) announced it would proceed with the release of data on school performance, including NAPLAN results, to allow for comparison between schools.

Despite expressing their opposition to simplistic league tables, Ministers have failed to outline what action will be taken to stop their creation and publication.

The damage to curriculum provision, students and entire school communities caused by league tables is well-documented in international research and evidence. Research also shows that league tables create greater inequality and increased segregation as a result of shifts in student enrollment patterns.

On 19 March, 2009, 15 peak professional associations representing educators across the continent wrote to all Ministers for Education (letter attached) urging them to take legislative action prohibiting the creation and publication of league tables flowing from the collection and release of student and school performance data.

The Ministers have failed to listen to the profession.