Page 1747 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 4 May 2011
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learning centres in the ACT. Additionally, there are congregational schools—Daramalan, St Edmund’s and Marist college—located in the ACT.
I note that the philosphy of Catholic education is as follows: Catholic schools seek to contribute to the creation of an Australian community that is highly educated, skilled and cultured, with an ability to promote and embrace a critical analysis of social issues, the expansion of knowledge and the pursuit of truth. Such a community will be marked by a vigorous intellectual and cultural life, accessible to all. They also support the principle that education has individual and private benefits, and it is also very much a public good whose benefits enhance the whole community. Catholic schools emphasise the contribution of education to the common good of the Australian community.
The Greens very much believe that education is a public good. Our policies and positions have long supported a public education system that is well funded and provides high-quality education to students regardless of their background or ability. I am pleased to read on the Canberra and Goulburn Archdiocese website states:
The Catholic school is open to all who are willing to commit to support the philosophy, values and aims of Catholic schooling. No student will be refused enrolment because of an inability, as distinct from an unwillingness, of a parent/guardian to meet financial requirements.
It is welcome news to the Greens that Catholic schools welcome those who wish to share their ethos.
The Greens agree with Mr Dozspot’s motion that all parents must have the right to make decisions about their children’s education. Choice is a very important thing. In our largely well-resourced community, local parents have a choice on a number of things and exercise it, including choice of education and school. I note that a quarter of parents are choosing the Catholic system for their children.
The Greens, as I said, do support a strong public system as a cornerstone of our education system. Just like in health, we believe that the public health system provides an essential resource to the majority of Australians. It is about ensuring that there is access to education and to health that does not rely on other prerequisites such as payment.
I believe that Mr Doszpot is a little pre-emptive regarding the federal funding. We all understand that there is a national funding review underway. The Gonski review has begun and has a number of well-known Australians taking part in it. I understand that lobbying is quite intense from all sectors. I understand that the vast majority of educators are passionate about the service they provide, and funding certainty is very important to offering a high-quality service into the future.
Whilst I understand the concerns of educators from all sectors, I believe that the national review needs to be allowed to take place. I do not envy the federal government in the decisions that they will need to make to fund education that offers
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