You cannot cut imaginary money. The money they are referring to is fake money, promised by Labor and never delivered on.
Just yesterday, federal Labor again would NOT confirm they would come up with this “imaginary” money if they were re-elected.*
It is extraordinary that the AEU and Labor in Tasmania would prefer an education funding model that favours over-funded elite mainland private schools at the expense of schools in need.
Under Gonski 2.0, Tasmanian students are allocated the highest funding amount per student than any other state.
Tasmanian students currently receive $5083 per student in 2017, increasing to $7625 in 2027, significantly above the Australian average of $6875.
Of course, we will always fight for more money for our schools, but are Labor and the unions seriously saying we should reject additional money for our schools in the order of $200 million which is now on offer?
What our schools need is funding certainty; based on their level of need, over a long period – this is what I, as Minister have committed to and that is why I am supporting this model – along with many others, including David Gonski, the Tasmanian Principals Association, the Tasmanian Association of State Schools Organisation – even federal Labor and the Greens are supportive of the needs based principles in the model.
The fact is – this is not a “cut” it is funding growth, in the order of $200 million over 10 years.
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
More Media Releases from the Minister for Education and Training