Catholic Education Western Australia and Catholic School Parents WA have launched a joint election campaign for a fairer funding deal from the incoming state Government. Source: The eRecord.
Catholic Education WA executive director Debra Sayce said the Every Child Counts campaign sought to highlight the lack of equitable education funding as West Australians head to the polls on March 13.
“There is a lot of misinformation about school funding," Dr Sayce said. "The unfortunate reality is that Catholic school students receive significantly less government funding than students in public schools.
“In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, critical funding for all school students needs to be a priority.
“Nearly one in every five WA children is educated in a Catholic school, and that number is expected to keep rising as more families choose a Catholic education.
“Catholic Education makes a very significant social and economic contribution and our students deserve the same access to mental health and support services and ongoing investment in contemporary learning facilities.”
Dr Sayce said successive state governments had failed to provide an equitable funding model, particularly in these two areas.
CSPWA Executive Director Siobhan Allen said to secure the support of parties and candidates, parents would hold forums at schools across the state.
“Our parents have made it clear that they will no longer remain silent about critical funding for their children,” Ms Allen said.
“Our parents are keen to engage with candidates from all parties and to ensure their voices are heard at this election.”
FULL STORY
Catholic school parents and Catholic Education seek a fairer funding deal (The eRecord)
