Sturt Teacher wins Science Prize

On the eve of World Teachers Day, Mr Len Altman from South Australia has been recognised with one of four National Science Research and Teaching Awards, Christopher Pyne, Shadow Minister for Education said today.

"Mr Altman is a constituent in my electorate, and works at Marden Senior College, also in Sturt. I know Len well and am delighted the excellent work he does has been recognised.

"I also wish to congratulate teachers who were acknowledged in today's Australian Awards for Teaching Excellence.

"While rewarding excellence in teaching at a function in Canberra is a good idea, it would be a better idea to reward teaching excellence every day by insisting on appropriate remuneration for teachers based on ability, and providing more on-going teacher training and support.

"The Rudd Government has wasted billions of taxpayers' funds due to the problems plaguing so many of the so-called education programs they have introduced.

"The Computers in Schools program blew about by $1 billion and less than a fifth of the promised computers have been delivered. The Julia Gillard Memorial School Halls program blew out by $1.5 billion, with many dollars lost due to profiteering and mismanagement.

"The Coalition firmly believes that our teachers need to be appropriately resourced, supported and rewarded. Australian children, now more than ever, need the highest quality education. The best teachers produce the best students.

"I'd like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of teachers in Australia and encourage parents and students to give their favourite teacher a pat on the back on World Teachers Day tomorrow,"" Mr Pyne said.

29 October 2008

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