By VANESSA VALENZUELA
KEILOR MP Natalie Hutchins is calling on concerned parents to sign a state-wide petition rallying against recent cuts to the Victorian education system.
Ms Hutchins said parents who are sending their kids back to school will feel the impact of the “savage” cuts to education in Victoria.
“Western families are struggling to deal with the $555 million ripped out of education, and that will become more and more apparent as their children start back at school for 2013,” Ms Hutchins said.
“Mr Baillieu has taken the axe to education and families are the ones bearing the increased burden.”
Ms Hutchins said parents will miss out on assistance with uniforms, text books, transport costs and school excursions because of the State Government’s cuts.
“These are fundamental necessities that every child needs to give them the best opportunity to learn and to participate fully in their schooling.”
Ms Hutchins said each Labour Member of Parliament would be asking parents to sign a state-wide petition, with the cuts to target disadvantaged students.
“Whether it’s the Education Maintenance Allowance, VCAL, the School Start Bonus, Fresh Fruit Friday or the Youth Focused School Service, Mr Baillieu’s cuts to education are targeting the most vulnerable students,” Ms Hutchins said.
“How does Mr Baillieu explain that students most at risk are the ones increasingly bearing the brunt of his ‘cost saving measures’?”
For more information visit www.BaillieusNotWorking.com.au
