Australian Education Union Briefing Letter to Governing Councils

30 May 2007


Dear Governing Council Chairperson

Re: 2006/07 State Budget Cuts – Implications for preschools and schools

Despite the fact that Public Education preschools and schools have been subjected to more than two decades of cost cutting and so called ‘efficiency’ drives this State Labor Government seems intent on extracting $54 million from 2008 to 2010 from cash strapped preschools and schools.

Contrast this budgetary measure with the 22 May report in the Advertiser that the Rann Government has spent an extra $6.3 million per year (or $25 million over four years) on 84 “minders, spin doctors and other staffers”.

The sole concern for the State Government and DECS is meeting the State Government’s efficiency dividend, which is perplexing given the State’s strong economic performance and the promise of a resources boom.

Now is the time for the State Government to invest in all schools and preschools. Public Education is richly deserving of the proceeds of any efficiency dividend.

Simply put, this state government is prepared to steal the funds from preschools and schools negatively impacting upon the learning programmes of children just to fill the government coffers.

On behalf of organisation that fights for improved funding to Public Education from State and federal Governments I urge you to communicate to your opposition to these budget cuts to schools and preschools by contacting you local MP, the Premier and Treasurer.

Principals and Directors will be able to provide your Governing Council with specific information on how these cuts will affect your children.

More information about these cuts is available on www.aeusa.asn.au. Governing councils can also email your concerns directly to the State Government from the AEU website.

Yours sincerely

Andrew Gohl

President AEU (SA Branch)