Shorten admits school takeover a ‘theoretical’ possibility

Education Minister Bill Shorten now says he is prepared to amend the new school funding legislation that gives the Federal Minister unfettered power to intervene in the operation of schools, said the Shadow Minister for Education, Christopher Pyne. “Firstly we’re told this legislation doesn’t allow a federal takeover of schools, but now Mr Shorten concedes it is a ‘theoretical’ possibility,” Mr Pyne said. “Up until now, other jurisdictions and the Catholic and Independent sectors were given assurances a federal takeover wouldn’t be possible under the legislation,” he said. “In his desperation to sign up the Victorian Government, Mr Shorten now admits that safeguards might be necessary to protect against ‘theoretical Commonwealth overreach’. “The truth is the legislation includes unprecedented new powers for the Federal Minister and creates another layer of bureaucracy and federal oversight. “This funding process is in complete disarray. A month after rushing legislation through the Parliament, Labor is now conceding their new funding model is flawed and requires amendments. “Labor passed the legislation before reaching a national agreement and currently only four out of eight jurisdictions have agreed to sign on. “School funding is in complete chaos and we’re just weeks from a federal election. “Until now Mr Shorten has been telling everyone the Federal Government couldn’t takeover schools. Now Mr Shorten is conceding the Federal Government could takeover schools. “Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd couldn’t trust Bill Shorten, why should anyone else?” Mr Pyne said. 30 July 2013