Springborg gets an "F" for dodgy schools policy
Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall today called on Opposition Leader, Lawrence Springborg, to come clean about which schools would be affected by plans to raid funds set aside for new schools, new classrooms and maintenance.

Mr Springborg let slip just two months ago that he would "divert funding" from the $850 million State Schools of Tomorrow plan to help fund his ill-informed education promises. Stage One of Mr Springborg's bungled education policy hid a $111 million cost blow out. This week, he unveiled Stage Two, which includes a further $11 million for teacher housing - but he can't say where the money will come from.

In contrast, the Bligh Government has properly-funded $30 million teacher housing program.

"Based on Mr Springborg's previous comments, we can only assume this amounts to a further raid on funds set aside for Queensland schools," Mr Wettenhall said.

"The State Schools of Tomorrow Plan funds projects such as new schools, new classrooms and maintenance in schools all over Queensland.

"Mr Springborg has admitted he will slash these much-needed resources to fund his out-of-touch promises - and he still hasn't come clean on which schools he has in his sights.

"The people of Barron River have a right to know if their schools will be affected."

Steve Wettenhall said the Opposition policy was a clearly a shambles.

"These are tough times. More than ever we need responsible policies.

"Yet in a critical area such as education, all Mr Springborg has so far shown us is that he can't add up, and he can't tell us how he will pay for his promises.

"If he can't get the basics right, how can he be trusted to run Queensland?"

MR SPRINGBORG'S EDUCATION POLICY ON THE RUN

STAGE ONE

  • Mr Springborg announces a school discipline scheme involving parents which is two years too late and is already happening in Queensland schools. Plans for extra teachers also come unstuck with his commitment only amounting to an extra 0.14 teachers in each school - this would not even reduce class sizes by one student across the board.
  • The Queensland Council of Parents and Citizens' Association criticises Mr Springborg's lack of consultation stating: "If they had spoken with us they would have known that parents are already involved in school behaviour rules..."
  • The bungled policy also reveals dodgy costings - a $111 million cost blow out.
  • Mr Springborg lets slip that he will fund his promises by "diverting funding" from the $850 million State Schools of Tomorrow program.


STAGE TWO

  • Promises an additional $11 million for teacher housing - but Mr Springborg can't say where the money will come from. Based on previous comments, it can only be assumed that he will further raid funds from the State Schools of Tomorrow program.
  • Promises a formal points system for teachers based on length of service, regional service, classroom results and teaching students with behaviour problems. But Mr Springborg is unable to define how it would actually work.

 

 
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