TEACHERS, parents and principals from across Lyne gathered on Tuesday in a bid to win support from the federal Coalition for the $5 billion NSW Gonski agreement.
A mobile billboard toured the electorate, with the message that Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and all Coalition MPs and candidates should support the vital funding for schools.
The teachers also took the opportunity to thank MP Rob Oakeshott for his ongoing support of public education.
Ian Watson, the regional organiser of the NSW Teachers Federation, said that the Gonski agreement struck by the state and federal governments would mean government and non-government schools in regional areas would be the biggest beneficiaries from the new funding arrangements.
He also said they stood to lose the biggest if it was not guaranteed by the federal Coalition.
“Unfortunately for the schools in Lyne the Abbott-led Opposition is refusing to guarantee they will deliver the Commonwealth’s $3.3 billion funding share if they win the election in September,” Mr Watson said.
“We urgently need federal candidate David Gillespie to join with his state counterparts and support what is a once in a generation opportunity to change the way we resource schools and educate our children.
“Without this funding, local public schools will face significant funding cuts starting next year.”
