DUTTON DECLARES HAND ON PUBLIC EDUCATION FUNDING

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has today declared his hand on public education, saying school funding isn't an issue in his address to the Liberal Party 2025 Campaign Launch.

“In the three years as Leader, Peter Dutton has not once said he supports full funding of public schools, and his comments today expose the fact he has no plan to end the underfunding of more than 98% of public schools, nor address the widening achievement gaps between children of different backgrounds." AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said.

“Instead, he is stepping up his Trumpian style attack on teachers and the teaching profession with his completely unfounded claims of indoctrination in schools.”

“For the Coalition, it is never about funding when it is public schools that are underfunded.”

“Right now, 98% of public schools are underfunded while the vast majority of private schools are at or over the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS).”

“In the 2014 Budget, the Coalition ripped $30 billion out of education and public schools have suffered resource shortages ever since.”

“Teachers and parents in school communities across the country know that school funding is critically important so that every child can have their education needs met.”

Ms Haythorpe said it was very concerning that Mr Dutton has amped up his Trump-style attack on teachers. There has never been a leader of a major political party in Australia that has attacked teachers in the way that Peter Dutton has.

“Peter Dutton is using the same language that Donald Trump uses. Like Trump, he wants to control the curriculum and cut the Department of Education in Canberra,” Ms Haythorpe said.

“His fake claim of indoctrination is just a way for a Dutton government to hold back much needed funding from public schools.”

“Australia’s education system does not need Trump-style far right views brought across from the United States.”

“Australia’s curriculum was reviewed, and endorsed, by the previous Coalition Government.”

“What’s critically important here is respect for teachers and the teaching profession. Teachers are fully qualified professionals that give 100% every day and should be backed by all political parties with the full resources that they need to deliver a high quality education to all students.”

“It is clear that Peter Dutton would rather attack teachers than support them so we know that much is at risk for public schools at this federal election.”

ENDS

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