Garrett dodges the key question

Reports today that the Government intends to spend $3 billion a year on school funding changes would result in a cut in funding for hundreds of non-government schools, said the Shadow Minister for Education, Christopher Pyne.

 “Yesterday, Schools Minister Peter Garrett failed to confirm the price tag attached to Gonski, leaving families with no idea how much their school fees will increase,” Mr Pyne said.  

 “Estimates show that with indexation kept at current levels the Government would need to find $28 billion over four years,” he said.  

 “Some modelling suggests that even with the additional funding, non-government schools will still lose in the long term. 

 “Everyday these questions remain unanswered, parents who struggle with school fees are left hanging. 

 “Only the Coalition is offering funding certainty with the same quantum of funding plus indexation at current levels,” Mr Pyne said. 

What is the cost of Labor’s school funding changes over four years?

- The Gonski Panel’s original estimate was $5 billion per year in 2009 dollars.

- It has now been reported the revised figure in 2013-14 dollars is $6.5 billion per year (The Australian, Gonski reforms overhaul of schools to cost $6.5 billion, 23 July 2012).

- Assuming a 6 per cent indexation per annum (the average level of indexation of AGSRC since 2000), government would need to find an additional $28.434 billion over four years from 2014.

August 13, 2012