Budget Must Fund Schools On LNP’S Closure List

Media Release.

Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk says next Tuesday’s State Budget must contain funds for the ongoing operation in 2014 of the state primary and high schools the Newman Government wants to close.

“Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek needs to reveal if there are funds in the 2013 State Budget to run the schools he wants to close in Brisbane and Toowoomba,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“If the fate of the schools is not already decided, then funds should be in the State Budget for its continued operation in 2014."

“If there are no funds earmarked for next year, it will prove the Minister has already made up his mind to close the school even while ‘consultation’ is under way with the school community.”

Mr Langbroek has gazetted his plans to close:

•  Stuart State School in Townsville

•  three Toowoomba region primary schools: Wyreema; Toowoomba South; and Charlton

•  Brisbane schools: Old Yarranlea State School; Fortitude Valley State School; Nyanda State High School; and Everton Park State High School.

“If the education budget has been trimmed of funds to run each of the schools threatened with closure then the Minister is cruelly making parents, teachers, students, and school staff go through the motions of consultation when he has already decided to shut them,” Ms Palaszczuk said.