The Tasmanian Liberals are deeply concerned that the Government is not and has not been providing the guaranteed 25% of the total cost of educating a student in the Catholic, Christian and Independent school system, consistent with the 13 point agreement established and agreed to in 1998.
The existence of the non-government education system, including Catholic and Christian schools, enables governments to put even more money into the public school system.
Last year it was estimated that if Catholic schools did not operate, the Tasmanian Government would have to find at least than $26 million extra a year to accommodate the students.
Although the Minister must ensure that there is a high quality, well funded public school system, it is also important that he work cooperatively with the non-government school system that has the same intention of providing high quality education in Tasmania.
The primary focus of the State Government is of course on the State system, but it must honour its obligations to Catholic and other non-government schools, where funding promises have been made.
To do otherwise would be totally unfair and unreasonable.
I call on the Premier to open the books, as the Tasmanian Liberals did over ten years ago when establishing the 13 Point Funding Agreement, to ensure that funding is not being channeled elsewhere, or inappropriately missed out.
The Premier must ensure that non-government schools receive the funding that they are entitled to right now so that they can continue to provide a high-quality education to a large number of Tasmanians.
If we are to properly increase our retention and qualifications in Tasmania, much better cooperation between all education sectors is needed for the betterment of quality education in Tasmania.
Sue Napier MP Shadow Minister for Education
