With the Federal election fast approaching, it’s important to know what the leaders of the two major parties think about education and the teaching profession.
The AEU wrote to Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton on the 20th of February, asking him to outline his education policy and seeking his support for full funding of public schools. He has not responded.
We also contacted the Prime Minister about his views on the teaching profession.
In response, PM Anthony Albanese has sent a video message outlining his commitment to full school funding and stating the value of teachers to our education system, and our country.
In stark contrast, here is what Peter Dutton has said publicly about teachers. On Sunday, he said “It’s not an issue of funding. The issue is what’s being taught in our institutions” and we must “ensure that classrooms are places of education, not indoctrination”.
Mr Dutton has already stated his plans to tie school funding to his political ideology, and his claim that there is no issue with school funding shows that he will do nothing to end the underfunding of more than 98% of public schools.
The teaching profession gives 100% every day in public schools across the nation and they must be backed by governments with the respect and resources needed to do their jobs well.
Here is what PM Albanese had to say.
Watch this video from the Prime Minister
Much is at risk for public education right now and we seek your support in making sure that our communities know what’s at stake when they vote at this federal election.
Share this video now and encourage your networks to vote 1 for public education at this election.
In hope,
Correna Haythorpe
AEU Federal President