Poll finds strong support for public school funding

THE Australian Education Union (AEU) says a recent phone poll has found a large majority of voters in Corangamite support a greater investment in public schools rather than tax cuts for high income earners.

The uComms poll surveyed 650 residents across the electorate on April 14.

According to the poll:
• Nearly 8 in 10 voters say proper funding of public schools is important or very important to them when deciding how to vote, including nearly 70 per cent of Liberal supporters
• Nearly two-thirds of all voters want to prioritise funding for public schools over extra funding for private schools, and
• Nearly three times as many Liberal voters would prioritise funding for public schools over private schools (45 per cent vs 17 per cent).

Australian Education Union Victorian branch president Meredith Peace said the federal Coalition had a poor record on education and public schools.

“First Tony Abbott tried to cut $30 billion from schools, and then Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison reduced that to a $14 billion cut for public schools.

“That meant schools across Corangamite, from Meredith to Moriac, received less funding for high-needs students, such as those with a disability and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“By contrast, public schools in Corangamite would receive an extra $15.2 million in funding in the first three years of a Shorten Labor Government.”

In its budget, the Coalition says there is a record $292 billion for schools over 10 years – a total increase of 63 per cent – and funding for public, independent and Catholic schools is at an all-time high.