Public urged to have its say on school funding

Federal Minister for School Education, Peter Garrett has welcomed the release of an Emerging Issues paper on the Review of Funding for Schooling by the Review Panel, chaired by Mr David Gonski.

“This review is a once-in-a-generation chance to look at how our school funding arrangements can be made more transparent, fair, and financially sustainable".

“Everyone in Australia has an interest in making our schools as good as possible and this Emerging Issues paper provides a common framework so parents, educators and the community can have their say about the issues that are important to them,” Mr Garrett said.

The Emerging Issues paper reflects views expressed during a recent listening tour conducted by the Panel, involving almost 70 schooling stakeholders.

Since its re-election, the Gillard Government has sought to improve the current school funding system to make it fairer and more open, which it claims reflects the majority views of parents and school communities.

The paper and further information on the review, including information on how to make a submission, can be found at www.deewr.gov.au/fundingreview. Submissions are due by 31 March 2011.