School principals and school council presidents from government, Catholic and independent schools across the Maribyrnong electorate  attended a two-hour forum to discuss the Federal Government’s National Plan for School Improvement.

The forum was hosted by the Member for Maribyrnong, Bill Shorten, and addressed by the Parliamentary Secretary for School Education, Senator Jacinta Collins. It included a detailed briefing and question-and-answer session.

The Principals were told that under the plan, schools in Moonee Valley, Brimbank and Maribyrnong would receive base funding, with extra funding for students from low socio-economic backgrounds, children with disability, those from non-English speaking backgrounds and Indigenous students.

There would also be indexation of 4.7 per cent from the Commonwealth.

Mr Shorten said the forum was a great opportunity for principals to get information directly from the government about the plan.

“It was fantastic to see so many principals and school council presidents giving up their precious time to discuss this critical issue.”

“The most important issue is what is best for the kids in this area and I think more funding for students in this area would go a long way.”

“There has been a lot of political posturing and scare campaigns in recent weeks, with incorrect information being given to parents, teachers and principals through the media,” Mr Shorten said.

“I can certainly assure everyone that under the plan, all schools in the Maribyrnong electorate will be better off, and some will get access to significantly increased funding.

“That’s in stark contrast to future school funding if the State Government and non-government schools do not take the opportunity to sign up,” Mr Shorten said.

The Federal Government is currently in negotiations with the Victorian Government, and the non-government sector, to reach agreement on this model for school funding which would give schools and parents certainty about the future.

“What we do know for sure is that school funding will go backwards under the status quo – for all sectors,” Mr Shorten said.

“We also know that the Federal Coalition, Mr Abbott, is promising nothing for schools in our area.”

“Let’s lock in this major reform for the benefits of our children’s education, and properly support our local schools.”

ENDS

Contact: Kieran Barns-Jenkins 9326 1300 / 0421 838 878