FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS ON BEHALF OF THE AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRATS
The Australian Democrats RECOMMEND that the objects of the Bill be written
to reflect a commitment to the delivery of free and universally accessible
public education.
2. The Australian Democrats RECOMMEND that the Bill be amended to put
in place funding provisions for the triennium but that decisions regarding
changes to the New Schools Policy, Broadbanding Programs and the introduction
of the Enrolment Benchmark Adjustment be deferred for a 12-month period
or until such time as there can be a full inquiry into the implications
of the proposed changes and a period of consultation and negotiation with
the States and Territories.
3. The Australian Democrats RECOMMEND that the Government acknowledges
that its claim to have increased spending on schools is illusory and misleading.
4. The Australian Democrats RECOMMEND that the Government
apply its funding to government and non-government sectors more
equitably.
Rationalisation and Broadbanding of Targeted Assistance Programs
5. The Australian Democrats RECOMMEND that the Federal
Government continue to play a role in identifying areas of need
and in developing and funding programs for specific educational
outcomes and to redress educational disadvantage.
Abandonment of the New Schools Policy
6. The Australian Democrats RECOMMEND that the New
Schools Policy remain in place until such time as:
i) there is more certainty about the cost to the Commonwealth
of the expansion of the non-government sector; and
ii) the Federal Government reaches agreement with the States
on consistent criteria for providing funding for private schools
Enrolment Benchmark Adjustment
7. The Australian Democrats RECOMMEND that the EBA
be scrapped as a mechanism for Commonwealth funding for the expansion
of new private schools.