8 October 2020
The State School Teachers’ Union said today’s state budget
contained some very welcome announcements, but more needed to be done for the
state school system.
SSTUWA president Pat Byrne said:
“The announcement from the government in relation to capital
works funding is obviously welcome,” she said.
“For many years the backlog of school maintenance has
accrued to the point where we have seen mould infestations and ceiling
collapses among other things.
“While today’s announcement confirms what has already been
announced, the funding will go a long way towards rectifying the backlog.
“We would also like to acknowledge the overall projected
increase of 900 FTE positions.
“However, we would like to see more recurrent investment in
schools, especially in areas such as reducing violence and improving IT
infrastructure.
“The reality of current funding is that four per cent of
funds that schools used to receive separately, and in addition to recurrent
funding, is now rolled into the one amount – that’s an effective cut of four
per cent to school budgets.
“We need a serious community discussion about the way
government schools are funded.
“The current model means they are actually going backwards
in real terms - no matter how often the Treasurer and Minister tell us that
they are spending more than ever before.
“COVID recovery needs to be more than new and renovated
buildings, no matter how important these are.
“For example, many students will need extra support both in
educational and mental health terms. This budget does not provide enough for such programs.
“The focus on TAFE, which is undoing some of the damage done
by previous governments, is most welcome.
“We’re pleased to see a 29.7% increase in the total training
and workforce development budget, which is an investment in the state’s future
workforce.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Rebecca Boteler, CGM Communications, 0424 569 179
