Government survey shows parents

Government survey shows parents don’t consider publishing schools finances important

The Deputy Prime Minister’s desire to publish non-government schools private funding sources isn’t considered a priority by parents according to the Government’s own survey, Christopher Pyne, Shadow Minister for Education said today.

“The survey shows that the publishing of schools funding ranks equal 9th out of 13 criteria alongside the publishing of details of schools extracurricular activities,” Mr Pyne said.

“Ms Gillard’s attempt to use this survey to justify Labor’s position on publishing schools funding has backfired,” he said.

“Parents considered the approach to literacy and numeracy to be most important, followed by communication with parents, and then the approach to teaching other subjects. The Coalition strongly agrees with parents concerns.

“Coming in at fifth place is the availability at schools of special programs – special programs that could be placed in jeopardy by the Rudd Government’s insistence in the Schools Assistance Bill for a prescriptive National Curriculum.

“This survey shows that 76.5 per cent of parents would be very alarmed if they send their children to a Steiner or Montessori School, or a school offering International Baccalaureate or University of Cambridge International Examinations programs, as well as the individual student programs offered by special needs schools.

“The Deputy Prime Minister can commission her own Department to conduct a survey, but the results prove the Coalition’s case.

“Ms Gillard is out of touch with the concerns of Australian parents, and it’s time for Labor to get behind the Coalition’s amendments to the Schools Assistance Bill that will ensure diversity and choice in education,” he said.

November 26, 2008

MEDIA CONTACT:

Adam Howard

0400 414 833