Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Wright for her question. The government has indicated on a number of occasions that legislation will be introduced this week to give effect to the Gonski reforms. The goal the government will pursue is to see Australia back in the top five schooling systems in the world with regard to reading, mathematics and science and to have a high-quality and high-equity system by 2025.

The final funding arrangements will be settled through negotiations. The Commonwealth is prepared to contribute with the states and territories if the states and territories contribute their fair share, so it was with some concern that I read about the effects of the cuts that are occurring in New South Wales. Only yesterday I was alarmed to read that an effect of these funding cuts will see that school sports carnivals face the axe under the O'Farrell government in New South Wales. If we are talking about trying to build an internationally excellent education system and in New South Wales $1.7 billion is being taken out of the education system, we find that that makes it much more difficult. School sports carnivals cannot proceed as a result of the New South Wales government's cuts.

So is it not surprising that I read that Liberal MPs have now been banned from some schools in New South Wales, from school prize nights? The reaction from parents and from school communities is such that they know that the government of New South Wales is not committed to a genuine national partnership to ensure that the children of this country are able to enjoy the full benefits— (Time expired)