NSW Government Declares To Fund Non Government Schools For Next Four Years

New South Wales (NSW) Government has proposed to spend AU$64 million for funding non-government schools under the Building Grants Assistance Scheme for the next four years. Adrian Piccoli, NSW Education Minister said that amendments would be incorporated in the state budget next week.

Mr. Piccoli stated that this initiative would foster growth in Sydney and assist Catholic and independent schools to deal with “substantial enrolment process.” He further issued a statement saying, “"the NSW government supports the right of parents to choose the type of education that suits their child, while ensuring a high quality public education system is also available."

While making the announcement, Piccoli referred to the decisions taken by the then premier Barry O'Farrell that were not so much in favour such aid and assistance and believed that it was due to low deficits and difficulties prevailing in the system.

By this measure, Mr. Piccoli has expressed his willingness in contributing to the construction of traffic lights, roads, roundabouts among many other major developments. Meanwhile the money included in the budget would be made accessible to middle and lower fee non government schools.

Catholic Education Commission acting chairman Peter Turner proposed that this initiative would lessen the burden of the parents whose children belong to those schools. Although, Deputy Opposition Leader Linda Burney encouraged the funding, yet she stated that similar contributions should be made towards public schools as well.

The Greens education spokesman John Kaye argued that public schools should also be paid attention as there has been no initiative on the part of the government to overcome overcrowding of such schools. However, Mr. Turner indicated that the inclusion of the funding would have greater benefits for both the sectors. He issued a statement saying that, "We're major contributors to the growth of the community."

Contact the writer on priya.shayani@gmail.com