Letter from Dr Jane Lomax Smith

Dear Mr Campbell



Thank you for your email regarding education funding and your expression of support for our public schools and children’s services.



Clearly, you recognise the vital role our schools and preschools play in developing the skills and values of children.



Indeed, the Rann Government also acknowledges that the care and education of our children is at the heart of their future success, and the economic and social prosperity of South Australia. That is why, despite claims to the contrary, funding for public education has again been increased for the 2007-08 financial year. Indeed, the Budget increases total spending in education and children’s services by $127.2 million compared to the 2006-07 Budget. The Budget provides on average an extra $708 for every government school student compared to the previous Budget, which is a 6.7% increase. Since 2001-02 spending for each student has increased by $3,606.



This year, we are investing $54.9 million to deliver the latest instalment of the government’s 14% pay rise for teachers. However, we are also making major reforms and re-investing savings to focus more support on priorities that will make a difference to the opportunities and skills of young people.



Many of those priorities have been supported by governing councils, school principals, teachers, parents and local communities, as reflected by views contributed during public forums and reviews that were initiated by the Rann government. These public consultations over the past five years examined how government might better provide services, particularly in early childhood, senior secondary education, school infrastructure and training.



As a result, reforms and re-investment of taxpayers’ dollars include:



· Brand new schools as part of a $216 million Education Works investment in better school buildings and learning environments.

Investment of $28.8 million for 20 new ‘one stop’ children’s centres that bring services together for families and young children
An $84 million ‘School to work’ reform that includes a new senior secondary ‘SACE’ qualification and new trade schools to foster practical work skills
Increased investment in literacy and numeracy, and smaller class sizes in the early years


Working toward reform also requires change that I acknowledge may sometimes be unpopular. However, while a number of concerns have been raised, implementation of proposed savings measures is yet to be finalised. In particular, I draw your attention to the following issues:



Workers Compensation: We have seen a 25% reduction in the number of open claims from 2005/06 to 2006/07 thanks to the efforts of teachers, principals and other staff. The Department of Education and Children’s Services believes further improvement is possible by giving schools greater local management responsibility for workers compensation. The aim is to achieve savings by reducing the number and duration of compensation claims, because we would rather that money be spent on children’s education.


While the finer details are being worked out with stakeholders, the impact on school budgets will be reduced through effective management of occupational health and safety at the local level.



Unattached Teachers: Improvements in existing practices and the new local selection policy have resulted in a reduction of permanent teachers waiting for placement in our schools. The department will continue to identify and introduce new ways to manage teachers who are permanently employed, but who do not hold an ongoing position in a school, in order to allocate them to a position of genuine need as soon as possible. Progress is being made and savings already achieved are being reinvested into education.



School Accounts: Details of this proposal are being finalised with stakeholders. However, interest will be paid to schools on balances related to Out of School Hours Care, Vacation Care, canteens, Building Funds, Library Funds, Special Accounts (including Farm Accounts) and proceeds of fund raising activities.



Aquatics and instrumental music: No reduction in budget funds has been made despite misleading public comments by some, and reviews of these programs are still being carried out. We will continue to consult, listen and work with local communities on how we might best achieve and re-invest savings.



If you have any further enquiries about these or other savings for reinvestment announced in last year’s budget, or specific questions regarding your school, please contact your local Department for Education and Children’s Services District Office for information.



Thank you for your interest in our public education system. I have also enclosed a copy of our recent education budget overview, which highlights initiatives to further improve opportunities for children.



Yours sincerely







Jane Lomax-Smith (Name title case and not bold)

MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES

MINISTER FOR TOURISM

MINISTER FOR THE CITY OF ADELAIDE

So what does this Polly Speak really mean?