Australia needs to properly value and respect the role of teachers in educating our citizens for the future - that includes paying them a fair wage and providing a career structure that reflects the importance of the work they do, Australian Greens spokesperson for Schools, Senator Penny Wright said today.

 Senator Wright said, "Australia is blessed with many excellent teachers who do a crucial job for all of us:  working with students day after day to teach them, encourage them and help them dream big.

As one of the first steps towards strengthening its place in the Asia-Pacific region, and to better engage with its Asian neighbours, Australia should properly value and resource its public education system, Australian Greens spokesperson for Schools, Senator Penny Wright said.

Australian Greens spokesperson for Schools, Senator Penny Wright, said the 2012 OECD Education at a Glance report was further proof that Australia requires a fairer, needs-based education funding system, based on the principles highlighted in the Gonski review.

Senator Wright also welcomed reports today that OECD deputy director for education, Dr Andreas Schleicher, has endorsed moves to target funding to schools based on the greatest need.

“I am heartened by Dr Schleicher’s comments, which show us that we are on the right path with Gonski,” Senator Wright said.

Ahead of talks today on the implementation of the Gonski model for school funding reforms, the Australian Greens are urging all Education Ministers to negotiate in good faith and collaborate to put the national interest first and foremost.

"All levels of government need to work together and focus on what this is really about: our children. We now need to get on with schools funding reform urgently," Greens spokesperson for Schools, Senator Penny Wright, said.

Visiting public schools in suburban Sydney today, Australian Greens spokesperson for Schools, Senator Penny Wright, has reiterated the Greens' call for the greatest amount of funding to be directed to public schools and for new money to be allocated to them as a priority.

"Today I have visited secondary colleges in the western suburbs of Sydney who are doing great work with kids and communities facing significant challenges. Working with the 'whole' child to enable their learning in the classroom requires extra staff and resources," Senator Wright said.

The Australian Greens will work with the Government to ensure that public schools, especially those most disadvantaged, will receive money first, to cushion the blow of the further delays in the new schools funding system announced today by the Prime Minister.

Responding to the Prime Minister’s formal response to the Gonski review into school funding, Greens spokesperson for Schools, Senator Penny Wright, said many public schools could not afford to wait for another six years to receive additional money.

Australia needs a fairer schools funding system.

The recommendations of the Gonski Review provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to achieve this and establish an education system that is more equitable and will give all our children the best start in life.

In the wake of reports that the full implementation of school funding increases will be delayed until 2020, the Australian Greens have today called for the Government to increase funding urgently and announced five principles against which they will assess the Government’s expected formal response to the Gonski Review - and any subsequent legislation.

Australian Greens spokesperson for Schools, Senator Penny Wright, will be taking part in the Australia-wide Read for Australia event today to celebrate National Literacy and Numeracy Week and shine a light on the importance of all Australians receiving the best education possible.

"Good literacy and numeracy skills are among the most important things we can equip our children with," Senator Wright said.