The State School Teachers' Union of Western Australia has welcomed the McGowan Government’s massive investment in school and TAFE infrastructure as a recognition of the crucial role education will play in rebuilding Western Australia’s economy.
SSTUWA President Pat Byrne said the state government
investment in infrastructure was essential and needed to be matched with
similar investment in people.
“This is great news for education in WA,” she said.
“That the state government has recognised the value of TAFE
in building skills and knowledge, and of investment in schools’ infrastructure,
in the state’s COVID recovery strategy will be welcomed by all involved.
“This is a major step
towards the state government fully funding education in WA, with extra
investment to support the state’s unique needs in terms of remote and regional
education.
“This is consistent with the Premier’s acknowledgment of the
importance of the role schools and TAFEs will play in resetting WA’s economy.
“While this is a significant improvement in terms of capital
works, there is a need now to ensure that overall school funding stays at the
level required to properly fund WA schools.
“There is a worrying clause in current federal/state funding
agreements that allows for a potential reduction in WA’s education budget. We
hope the Premier will make a firm and unambiguous commitment that such a reduction
will not happen on his watch.”
Ms Byrne said there was a need to ensure that the government
employed sufficient teachers and lecturers which will be needed to cope with
the anticipated increase in enrolments in public education.
“The announcements show a strong commitment from the Premier
and Education Minister,” she said.
“The SSTUWA will continue to work towards building on this recognition that education holds the key towards reinvigorating WA’s economy.”
