Oh Dear

EDUCATION Minister Jane Lomax-Smith has been attacked by members of her own party over school funding cuts.

In an embarrassing event for Dr Lomax-Smith, her own party sub-branch passed a motion calling for the Government to "reverse the financial impositions to already struggling public schools".

One senior Labor source raised concerns, believing she should have been able to "sell" the policy to her closest party members.

"It is unprecedented but I don't find it surprising that Jane couldn't even convince her own sub-branch . . ." one long-term delegate said.

The motion criticised the Government's decision to cut small school programs, prevent schools from keeping interest payments on unspent funds, and for shifting the responsibility for WorkCover.

In June, the Government reneged on a decision to impose a 1 per cent levy on schools to help pay for a workers' compensation scheme following public pressure.

Public schools, however, still face cuts of $36 million over the next four years to meet efficiency dividends.

Labor sources said Dr Lomax-Smith attended the State Council meeting last Thursday, but left before the motion was debated.

It is understood Attorney-General Michael Atkinson had to defend the Government before the motion was defeated.

"She left it up to another senior minister to do her dirty work," a Labor source said.

In an emailed statement Dr Lomax-Smith yesterday said: "Plans for our reinvestment strategy . . . have been successfully resolved with the union and principal groups, with the union saying it's 'delighted' with the outcome".