Childish Antics Latest Ploy In Newman’s Schools Failure

Media Release.

WEDNESDAY 12 JUNE 2013

The Newman government’s efforts in refusing to sign up for the most significant education reform in a generation have today sunk to a new low with the banning of the Federal School Education Minister from Queensland schools.

Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Education Minister John Paul Langbroek’s arrogant order that Peter Garrett be refused access to school campuses was part of the LNP’s determined plan to penalise Queensland students.

“There’s no good reason for this LNP government’s refusal to sign up for the Gonski reforms which would result in millions of dollars flowing into Queensland schools,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Campbell Newman and Mr Langbroek need to explain – definitively – why they are stalling and arrogantly refusing to accept this funding instead of coming out with half-baked alternatives that simply don’t add up.

“Parents want Gonski, teachers want Gonski, students want Gonski but Mr Langbroek refuses to listen and has made education reform his political play thing for no good reason other than he wants to pick a fight with Canberra."

“Ultimately as he plays these political games with our school’s futures it is the children who will miss out on the best education we can give them."

“Today’s antics by the Newman government in ordering the Federal School Education Minister – the man responsible for funding our schools – off campuses is childish in the extreme."

“There are children in our school yards who display more maturity than this incompetent Education Minister and the government he represents."

“It is enormously petty and Mr Langbroek’s reasoning that this is a political debate and school kids should not be involved simply does not wash."

“He has no hesitation himself in using schools and school students for photo opportunities to push his government’s policies.”

Ms Palaszczuk said the Premier and Education Minister should today cease the politicking and sign on for Gonski reform.

“Queenslanders have had enough – they want reform in our schools and they want the not insignificant cash that Canberra has put on the table."

“They are sick of this government’s arrogant blame game attitude and, unlike the government, understand this is about quality education.”