Opposition Leader Tony Abbott’s decision to make school fees tax deductible and to slash spending on public schools showed he is determined to privatise education, the Australian Education Union said.

AEU Federal President Angelo Gavrielatos said that it was a regressive move to take money away from the public provision of education for all students and return some of it to parents who could afford to pay private school fees.

“Instead of ensuring that we have a public school system that meets the needs of all children, and benefits the nation as a whole, Mr Abbott is determined to take us on a path towards the privatisation of education.

“All Australians have the right to access a high quality public school in their local community. But a Coalition Government would undermine that fundamental right.

“The $3.1 billion in education cuts already announced by the Coalition will disproportionately impact on public schools.

“The Coalition has also promised to keep a funding model that will deliver more than two thirds of federal funding to private schools.

“Under Tony Abbott the public school share of funding will get smaller and smaller.

“Australians want to see both sides of politics commit to spending more, not less on public education.”