Rockliff’s Gonski appeal
Education minister writes to all Tasmanian senators
STATE Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff has written to Tasmanian senators asking them to pass the $18 billion Gonski 2.0 funding deal, as significant cracks appear in Coalition ranks.
The fate of the Federal Government’s plan to inject an extra $18.6 billion into the na- tion’s schools is set to be decided by the Senate this week, as Catholic schools say it will cut funding and force up fees.
Labor has refused to support the Gonski plan, saying it cuts $22 billion from schools, so the Government is locked in negotiations with crossbench senators.
In a letter obtained by the Mercury, Mr Rockliff has told all Tasmanian senators to en- sure they “understand the potential ramifications for Tasmania if the proposal does not pass the Senate”.
“While I am of course disappointed that Gonski 2.0 does not include the same quantum of funding as the original Gonski proposal, I also understand that, unlike in Tasmania, the Federal Labor Government never budgeted for the full sixyear proposal and they have since lost government,” Mr Rockliff wrote in the letter sent yesterday.
“Tasmania stands to lose substantially if no new deal is agreed and this would be a genuine and dramatic loss.
“In a state such as ours, where disadvantage is entrenched for so many families and communities, needs-based funding ensures our schools are funded appropriately to meet the complex requirements of individual students.”
Tasmanian Catholic Education director John Mula said analysis by the Parliamentary Budget Office had shown a funding shortfall of $35 million over 10 years for the state’s catholic schools sector.
Education Minister Simon Birmingham could face a backlash from some Coalition colleagues at today’s party room meeting who are demanding full disclosure of funding details amid fears Catholic schools are being shortchanged.
Coalition MPs are also nervous that the Government could be forced to make concessions to Greens demands.
Senator Birmingham said the Catholic sector would be getting $3.4 billion extra nationally.