Rudd backflips on school legislation changes
25 Jul 2013
Media release Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has apparently now ruled out plans to amend elements of the new school education legislation giving the Federal Minister unfettered power to intervene in the operation of schools, said the Shadow Minister for Education, Christopher Pyne.
“This may come as a surprise to Catholic Schools who were reportedly told changes to the legislation are part of their agreement with the Government,” Mr Pyne said.
“State Governments are right to have concerns over the school funding legislation,” he said.
“Sections within the Australian Education Act clearly give the Federal Minister the power to issue directives and halt funding if regulations are not obeyed.
“These concerns were shared by the Tasmanian Government, with Premier Lara Giddings suggesting the powers of the Federal Minister were a major sticking point in negotiations.
“If Ms Giddings was given a handshake agreement from Education Minister Bill Shorten that the powers would never be used, then she has a lot more trust in him than some of his other Labor colleagues.
“The Prime Minister needs to clearly state in writing whether the Government will amend the legislation removing the additional powers given to the Federal Minister to run schools.
“If Federal Labor doesn’t intend to use the powers in the legislation, why won’t they amend the legislation and simply remove them?
25 July 2013