SPENDING PER PUPIL FALLS FOR SECOND SUCCESSIVE YEAR UNDER LNP

Media Release

Rockhampton MP Bill Byrne says the region’s state school pupils are being badly let down by the Newman Government which has cut spending per student for two successive years.

And those most in need of a helping hand – children with disabilities – are the biggest losers.

“The annual report on education spending makes grim reading for anyone who cares about the quality of education for our students in state schools,” said Mr Byrne.

“In 2013-14 the Newman Government spent $165 less per primary school pupil than the previous Labor administration spent in its last year in office in 2011-12."

“For secondary students the fall in expenditure is $203 compared with Labor’s spending two years previously."

“That means that our school children are falling behind in terms of the resources and technology they need and deserve to maximise their potential."

“The most disturbing and telling statistic from the annual report, however, concerns the shameful neglect the Newman Government has shown to Queensland’s students with disabilities."

“In 2011-12, the State Labor Government spent $27,720 on each and every student with a disability." In 2013-14, under a Minister focussed on savings rather than on high quality education and giving Queensland children the very best possible start in life, that annual spend dropped alarmingly by $1,770 per pupil to $25,950.

“That is a significant reduction that is, quite simply, letting down some of our most vulnerable students."

“Rockhampton parents can have no confidence that the Newman Government has the best interest of their children at heart."

“It is a government that has been more focussed on closing schools, selling school buildings and land, cutting support services and slashing extra-curricular programs than it has been on the quality of education our state school pupils receive."

“Sadly, under the LNP, children in state schools are in danger of falling further behind."

“This is a Minister who has failed miserably to stand up for Queensland children and failed to defend those who most need assistance in the classroom."

“The Newman Government stands accused of not only failing to keep pace with inflation or with a rise in the number of students, but of being content with a second-rate service for our state pupils."