Fees up as uncertainty grips the school sector

With no sign of any commitment to the $113 billion in additional funding called for as part of the Gillard Government’s school funding changes, non-government schools are warning that fees will have to go up, resulting in further pressure on cost of living for families.

“What Catholic Education’s Stephen Elder has confirmed today is that if there is no money, there is no model. The Government has raised expectations, but have not committed to their share of the additional spending,” said Christopher Pyne, Shadow Minister for Education today. 

Media reports today reveal Victorian non-government school groups are also echoing the concerns of the Victorian Government that has been calling for the release of modelling data withheld by the Gillard Government. 

“The states were not consulted on the additional costs required in this review, despite them being liable for 70 per cent of it. Now the Government refuses to release modelling data because they are afraid it will expose which schools may go backwards,” Mr Pyne said.  

“Without access to the Gonski modelling it is impossible for school authorities to verify how they might be affected,” he said.  

“This Labor Government has set the standard for hiding modelling data from the Australian people. I call on the Schools Minister, Peter Garrett to immediately make available all modelling data to the states,” Mr Pyne said.

March 20, 2012