Greens hold education forum

A forum was held at the Woy Woy Environment Centre to discuss the impact of Federal and State policies on the local public education system on July 18.

Hosted by Greens MP Mr John Kaye and Greens Cr Peter Freewater, the public discussion group explored issues of why funding cuts and simplistic league tables were undermining local public schools and TAFE colleges.

"The Central Coast is fortunate to have some great public schools and an excellent TAFE Institute," Mr Kaye said.

"Funding cuts are forcing education professionals in the public sector to do more with much less.

"Cutting spending to public schools while boosting handouts to the private sector shows that policy makers consider public education to be the second choice.

"The Greens are opposed to any moves that undermine the primary role of public education in helping to foster an inclusive community.

"Both of the major parties are committed to outsourcing TAFE to the private sector.

"Education is a public good that is too important to allow it to be used as a laboratory for free-market zealots.

"The free public forum was an opportunity for the community to express their views on the future of public education on the Central Coast."

Press release, 12 Jul 2010 John Kaye, The Greens