The political battle over education funding rolled into Macarthur this week.
Yesterday, Senator for Western Sydney Marise Payne spruiked the federal government’s credentials after opening the new $2.5 million junior school at St Gregory’s College Campbelltown.
Today, Labor federal member Dr Mike Freelander countered with a promise that local public schools will be $23.61 million better off under a Shorten Labor Government.
Senator Payne, who is also the foreign minister in the Morrison Government, said the St Gregory’s College school community would benefit from the new facilities.
“It was great to visit St Gregory’s College Campbelltown and see the new facilities firsthand and the impact they will have on students’ learning potential,” Senator Payne said.
“These new learning spaces take into account the latest in educational research and will see students learn more effectively.
“This is part of our commitment to ensuring students have the support they need to succeed in the classroom.
“Students and teachers thrive when their schools have modern and up-to-date facilities – that’s why our Liberal-National Government is proud of the Capital Grants Program, which has benefited thousands of schools across the nation.”
Senator Payne said the government has committed $660 million until 2021, which provides funding for non-government schools to improve capital infrastructure.
Dr Mike Freelander, who is the Member for Macarthur, said a new website meant parents and teachers will be able to find out how much extra funding their local public school will get.
“The website, www.fairgoforschools.com.au, will give each school an estimate of the extra funding it can expect in the first three years of Labor’s plan,’’ Dr Freelander said.
“Every student in every public school in Macarthur will be better off under Labor’s plan.’’
Dr Freelander the following local schools would get extra funding under a Shorten Labor Government:
- $810,000 for Ingleburn High School
- $790,000 for Oran Park Public School
- $700,000 for Eagle Vale High School
- $630,000 for Bradbury Public School
- $510,000 for St Helens Park Public School.
“Our extra investment will transform public schools across Macarthur and give all children the opportunity to reach their full potential, no matter where they live, or how much their parents earn,’’ Dr Freelander said
Great to see that a Labor Government will put much needed funds into public education