Amend Education Act to fix inequality

The Australian Education Bill must be amended to prioritise the most disadvantaged schools first, says Australian Greens spokesperson on Schools, Senator Penny Wright.

In additional comments to a Senate Committee's report on the Bill, released today, Senator Wright called for any additional Commonwealth funding to be targeted at reducing inequality.

"The Australian Education Bill is merely a statement of aspirations towards the Gonski school funding recommendations," Senator Wright said.

"It is not legally enforceable and comes with no detail on how to fund real action and real reform.

"Nevertheless, it fails to include any comments on the importance of addressing the most needy schools first.

"Australian government schools are already chronically underfunded and they cannot afford to wait for another six years to receive additional money.

"Disadvantaged schools have fewer material and social resources, fewer experienced teachers and more behavioural problems among students.

"This is exactly why the Australian Greens will be moving amendments to the Government's legislation to ensure the most disadvantaged public schools are prioritised.

"Investment in these schools will make a difference to the lives of so many children. The money is there and these reforms can be brought forward - the Government just needs to find the courage to stand up to wealthy mining companies to plug the holes in the mining tax."