PGR PUBLIC EDUCATION MEETING
25th October 2000

RESOLUTION

“Public Education is the single most important element in the maintenance of a democratic system. Highly sophisticated elites are the easiest and least original thing a society can produce. The most difficult and the most valuable is a well educated populace” - John Ralston Saul.

At this public meeting we recognise that:
• Every Australian child has a right to the opportunities and pleasures provided by a sound education;
• Governments have a responsibility to ensure all Australian children have access to quality education;
• There is a widening gap in Australia between the rich and the poor, the privileged and the underprivileged. It does not have to be this way;
• The resources gap between public schools and private schools is wide and widening. The funding formulae that are being instituted by the current Federal Government serve to widen the resources gap even further;

• Commonwealth funding is no longer about achieving a “fair go” for all. The Federal Governments changes will make it easier, perhaps, for a few to leave the public system rather than helping the vast majority of Australian children who will remain in the system.

We say this to the Federal and State Governments:

• We insist that the public resources applied to the public school system should reflect its critical and prominent educational role.

• Public schools must be properly, even generously, funded if they are to continue their vital work.

• We demand fairness in education funding, and call on our governments to create a public education system worthy of our nation.