Labor planning to close Primary Schools
13-March-2009
State Education Minister Bronwyn Pike wants to close country schools including some of our local schools, Federal Liberal Member for Indi, Sophie Mirabella MP said today.
“The minister is using the excuse of federal funding as a cover to force schools to amalgamate. The impression has been given that if schools co-operate, they will be looked at favourably in the distribution of federal funds.”
“We should understand that is would be highly difficult for school staff to speak publicly about these matters,” Mrs Mirabella said.
‘Why should schools close, reducing local services and employment in our region just to make it easier for the minister to close country schools? So much for the education revolution.”
“The Labor Minister is using the Department, through regional directors and regional network leaders to do the Government’s dirty work.”
“It appears that at least 4 primary schools, Oxley, Milawa, Everton and Whorouly have been targeted by the State Labor Government,” Mrs Mirabella said.
“Local schools in our area are being pressured to “discuss” amalgamation with the impression given to some that discussion of amalgamation is a requirement before federals funds are handed over.”
“This is incorrect. I am advised that funding to schools is not conditional on them discussing amalgamation.”
“Each one of Milawa, Everton, Oxley and Whorouly primary schools is unique and has dedicated staff and school councils who have raised money to improve their school and is justifiably proud of their success in shaping their school to suit the needs of local students,” Mrs Mirabella said.
“The State Labor Government is indirectly bullying local schools and holding them to ransom because they want to close more country schools but not take responsibility for doing so.”
“This is what happens when the Federal Labor Government relies on incompetent Labor State Governments to deliver programs.”
“The former Howard Government’s Investing in our Schools program gave the power to local school communities to decide how to spend funds. Federal Labor abolished this program and replaced it with a process that is being abused by their State Labor counterparts,” Mrs Mirabella said.
“Federal Minister Julia Gillard should publicly pull Bronwyn Pike into line and categorically affirm each school’s unconditional entitlement to funding outside the scope of amalgamation discussions.”
“I urge all local school communities to fight to maintain their school and assure them that I will help in every way I can,” Mrs Mirabella concluded.