❓ Opposition Leader McGowan questions Premier Barnett about funding cuts to public schools, specifically mentioning several high schools. Barnett defends the reforms, stating the overall education budget increased and the new funding model is based on student needs and aligns with Gonski principles.
AnsweredQoN 527Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
SCHOOLS —
FUNDING
527. Mr M. McGOWAN to the Premier:
Prior to asking my question, on behalf of the state opposition I join
everyone, I am sure, in acknowledging those victims and families who suffered
as a consequence of the shooting down of flight MH17. I am sure they are in all
our thoughts.
Given the cuts to
public schools in 2014 of $185 million and further cuts to at least 30 per cent
of schools in the new funding model, why do Mirrabooka, Girrawheen, Derby and
Collie Senior High Schools, amongst others, deserve to lose, according to
Minister Collier, $250 000 each in funding next year?
FUNDING
527. Mr M. McGOWAN to the Premier:
Prior to asking my question, on behalf of the state opposition I join
everyone, I am sure, in acknowledging those victims and families who suffered
as a consequence of the shooting down of flight MH17. I am sure they are in all
our thoughts.
Given the cuts to
public schools in 2014 of $185 million and further cuts to at least 30 per cent
of schools in the new funding model, why do Mirrabooka, Girrawheen, Derby and
Collie Senior High Schools, amongst others, deserve to lose, according to
Minister Collier, $250 000 each in funding next year?
AnswerView source ↗
The reforms
introduced by the Minister for Education, Hon Peter Collier, are totally
appropriate and, indeed, long overdue. Although the Leader of the Opposition
talks about cuts to education, everyone here knows that the education budget
increased very substantially for this year. I think an increase in the budget
in the order of $300 million in the current financial year —
Ms M.M. Quirk interjected.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : If an increase of $300 million is described
as a cut by the Leader of the Opposition, I hope he is never in charge of a
maths class.
Several members
interjected.
The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I call you to order for the first time. I want
to hear the answer.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The overall education budget has increased
substantially in every year of the Liberal–National government. The
issue is the distribution of that budget between schools. The decision to
allocate that funding was based on a student-based funding model according to
where the students are, the number of students and their needs in education and
learning. That will result next year in a shift in funding in a relative sense
away from secondary schools to primary schools, particularly into early
education.
The usual critics of
this government came out and criticised this government, until one of their own
pointed out to them in the media that this was actually contained in the Gonski
review. They had been out there campaigning for Gonski. This is the Gonski
principle.
Several members
interjected.
The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I call you to order for the first time. Member for
Willagee, I will warn you that I do not want you drowning out the speakers.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know the date, but I can recall at
the time that principals were ringing talkback radio to say that this was what
they wanted as it allocated money to where the students are, and they made the
point that it is the Gonski reform. Well done to Hon Peter Collier for
introducing that model and doing it well, and sending the dollars in education
to where the students are and to where the need is greatest. This government
has demonstrated the ability to undertake reform in education, and education
will be a major focus of this government over the coming years.
introduced by the Minister for Education, Hon Peter Collier, are totally
appropriate and, indeed, long overdue. Although the Leader of the Opposition
talks about cuts to education, everyone here knows that the education budget
increased very substantially for this year. I think an increase in the budget
in the order of $300 million in the current financial year —
Ms M.M. Quirk interjected.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : If an increase of $300 million is described
as a cut by the Leader of the Opposition, I hope he is never in charge of a
maths class.
Several members
interjected.
The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I call you to order for the first time. I want
to hear the answer.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The overall education budget has increased
substantially in every year of the Liberal–National government. The
issue is the distribution of that budget between schools. The decision to
allocate that funding was based on a student-based funding model according to
where the students are, the number of students and their needs in education and
learning. That will result next year in a shift in funding in a relative sense
away from secondary schools to primary schools, particularly into early
education.
The usual critics of
this government came out and criticised this government, until one of their own
pointed out to them in the media that this was actually contained in the Gonski
review. They had been out there campaigning for Gonski. This is the Gonski
principle.
Several members
interjected.
The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I call you to order for the first time. Member for
Willagee, I will warn you that I do not want you drowning out the speakers.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know the date, but I can recall at
the time that principals were ringing talkback radio to say that this was what
they wanted as it allocated money to where the students are, and they made the
point that it is the Gonski reform. Well done to Hon Peter Collier for
introducing that model and doing it well, and sending the dollars in education
to where the students are and to where the need is greatest. This government
has demonstrated the ability to undertake reform in education, and education
will be a major focus of this government over the coming years.
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