The Gonski Schools Funding Review report was released yesterday and reveals the urgent need for reform of school funding arrangements and investment of at least an extra $3.8 billion a year in public schools.

Around the nation parent and teacher representative groups are being welcomed into public schools to raise awareness of the Review and now the report, but it appears not in WA public schools.

AEU Federal President Mr Angelo Gavrielatos continues his speaking tour across the country and arrives in Perth on Wednesday 7 March.

Last week several schools were told to close their doors to Mr Gavrielatos and parent representatives who were intending to meet with parents and teachers during lunch and morning tea breaks.

“Maybe we should not be surprised at this response from the Department and Minister given the lack of enthusiasm in supporting public school communities to engage in the earlier submission process to the Gonski Review Group.”

“It is appalling that the Minister for Education Dr Constable and the Department of Education are preventing the only two groups advocating publically in W.A. for an improved and fairer funding model from addressing staff and parents during these break. The Gonski Report is now out. It is clear that a new system is required. The evidence is indicating that the public school system which caters for 80% of students who fit within various need categories is being systematically disadvantaged by the current funding model”, said Anne Gisborne President of the SSTUWA.

“The question must be asked, just how committed is the Barnett Government and the Minister for Education to an overhaul of the schools funding system? Are the Barnett Government and Dr Constable stepping up enough to promote the issues confronted by their schools, public schools, in this significant community debate?”

“I challenge the Barnett Government and the Minister for Education to reverse this decision and enable the March 7 meetings to occur. Surely this is about raising the understanding of the community about a fundamental issue of public policy. What better place for this to occur that in public schools?”