Identity numbers unnecessary
23 Feb 2010
Media release The Coalition is highly sceptical of the Government's plans to introduce a national identity number for students without any explanation of why the existing system needs improvement, Christopher Pyne, Shadow Education Minister said today.
"The NAPLAN tests are already compiled and provided to schools and parents," Mr Pyne said.
"Combined with the information that is already available on the Myschool website, it seems an unnecessary step to put this additional information on the internet as well," he said.
Issuing students with a national identity number and compiling results online sounds like more big brother and big Government.
Ms Gillard just doesn't understand that parents would be highly uncomfortable with their children's school results displayed on a website.
This Government can't even keep their own websites safe from hackers, let alone one with school results for every child in Australia.
Once the information is compiled what might it be used for in the future? Will a potential employer be able to access the site? Could cyber bullies use it to attack vulnerable students? Can Julia Gillard guarantee that the compiled information will be safe?
"This announcement ultimately sounds like an attempt to distract the public from the many portfolio failures within education. The 1 operational trades training centre out of the promised 2650 for example, or the fact that the Labor Government abolished Commonwealth Scholarships without having their proposed new system in place," Mr Pyne said.
February 24, 2010
MEDIA CONTACT:
Adam Howard
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