THE NSW Premier, Barry O'Farrell, has weighed into the national schools funding debate, arguing for a fair deal for independent schools.
The government has prepared a late submission to the federal government's schools funding review, chaired by the Sydney businessman David Gonski.
''There is nothing more important than the education of our children, and the NSW Coalition government will be lobbying the Gillard government to ensure that no NSW independent school students are disadvantaged as a result of the review,'' Mr O'Farrell said.
The president of the Australian Education Union, Angelo Gavrielatos, said it was important for the Premier to recognise he must look after the interests of all students, ''the overwhelming majority of whom send their children to public school''.
Anne Crabb from the NSW Parents Council said parents welcomed the Premier's support at a recent meeting held at Abbotsleigh School in his Ku-ring-gai electorate.
''We appreciate that when it comes to lobbying he will continue to support funding for independent schools,'' she said.
Geoff Newcombe, the executive director of the Association of Independent Schools, said the Premier ''clearly recognises and appreciates the critical part that independent schools play in our education system''.
''The Premier understands that if funding to independent schools is reduced as a result of the review, it is the state government that will pick up a large part of the tab,'' Dr Newcombe said.
However, the chief executive of Christian Schools Australia, Stephen O'Doherty, representing low-fee independent schools, said the Premier's response was not strong enough.
Mr O'Doherty, a former Liberal MP and opposition spokesman on education, said: ''It is a disappointing response because it is a stock standard answer. It is the answer you give when you haven't thought deeply about the issue.
''The Gonski review is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to see reform in the way schools are funded and structured.''
Tim Hawkes, the headmaster of The King's School, said: ''There are many other political bodies who are seeking to dramatically reduce government funding for independent schools.
''John Kaye of the Greens and Angelo Gavrielatos of the Australian Education Union and those of their ilk are becoming more and more strident in their attacks on private schools.
''I do not believe this is particularly wise, given that nearly 50 per cent of secondary school students in the major cities of Australia attend non-government schools. This represents a large number of votes,'' Dr Hawkes said.
The NSW Greens MP John Kaye said: ''Dr Hawkes is upset because we have dared to expose the impacts of the funding system that is marginalising public education.
''He would presumably prefer us to sit back and ignore the $230 million of state and federal funds pouring into NSW's 79 wealthiest schools each year and the $576 million blowout in public funding of the state's non-government school over the past seven years.''
Email a friend