AEU’s response to Sarah Hanson-Young’s position on needs-based schools funding

Quotes attributable to Correna Haythorpe, Australian Education Union President:

“We are gravely concerned about Sarah Hanson-Young’s position on education funding as reported today and her subsequent released statement.

“The views she expressed don’t only highlight the only superficial grasp she has on education policy but also significantly contravenes the position previously publicly expressed by herself and Greens Leader, Richard Di Natale.

“Turnbull’s plan for schools will see chronic underfunding of every school, replacing $5.2 billion of funding on 2018 and 2019 with $2 billion of funding over the next four years. It doesn’t matter how you spin it – schools will be $3.2 billion worse off.

“Turnbull’s plan is also now needs-based funding, and we urge Senator Hanson-Young to educate herself on how this policy will entrench disadvantage for students in public education from day one. Turnbull’s plan will see 84 per cent of public schools not meeting the Schooling Resourcing Standard by 2027.

“The Greens have always been strong supporters of Gonski needs-based funding and we are glad to be meeting with Senator Di Natale this week to discuss these matters further.”

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