Abbott’s school cuts hit Lalor harder than anywhere else

New analysis of the Government’s own figures, released recently, shows Tony Abbott’s cuts will leave schools in the electorate of Lalor $277 million worse off over the next decade – the biggest hit to any community in Australia.

The Abbott Government’s Budget cut $80 billion from schools and hospitals – with $30 billion of that coming directly from schools.

“This is the biggest ever cut to our schools, with $30 billion to be ripped from classrooms over the next decade,” Kate Ellis, Shadow Education Minister, said.

“This community has a young and growing population, meaning we will be the worst hit area in the country.” Joanne Ryan, Member for Lalor, said.

“The impact of these cuts are very real - every student will get $1,000 less support, every year.”

These cuts are the equivalent to sacking one in seven teachers and will mean a cut to the average school of $3.2 million.

“Students will miss out on the individual support they need, including literacy and numeracy programs, sport, music and extra teachers,”

“Tony Abbott’s cuts are being felt in our classrooms now, with principals simply unable to begin new programs because these massive cuts are hanging over their heads.”

“Our teachers want to continue improving our schools, not trying to find ways to deal with the biggest ever cuts to our schools.”

Kate Ellis and Joanne Ryan are calling on principals, teachers, parents and students to get involved and stand up against school cuts.

The cuts announced in the Budget mean there is no funding for the vital fifth and sixth years of the Gonski reforms and restrict indexation to CPI from 2018. With the ABS Education Price Index currently at 5.1 per cent, that will mean a significant and compounding cut in real terms.

“This just goes to show that Tony Abbott really doesn’t get what is important to local families and that’s making sure our children get a great education so they have the best opportunities in life,” Joanne Ryan said.

Joanne Ryan said it was time Dennis Napthine found his voice and stood up for Victoria, instead of quietly complying with Tony Abbott’s destructive agenda.

“He should stop covering for his political mate, Tony Abbott, and put our schools first,” Joanne Ryan said.

Kate Ellis said Labor was committed to the Gonski school reforms.

“Labor will fight so that every child can get the individual support they need, no matter where they go to school,” Kate Ellis said.