With topics discussed ranging from public school funding, to TAFE, to early education, voters were able to ask candidates about how they would support public education.
The candidates in attendance were current Labor Member for Boothby Louise Miller-Frost and Greens Candidate Joanna Wells.
It was disappointing that the Liberal Candidate for Boothby did not attend the forum.
One focus of the evening was the school funding agreement signed by the Albanese Government and the South Australian Government in January that will finally bring an end to the underfunding of public schools.
Along with Labor, the Greens support the full funding of public schools.
Voters now need to know what the other parties will do to ensure this funding is protected.
Peter Dutton has so far refused to state his position.
To coincide with this candidate forum in Boothby, the Australian Education Union (AEU) has released data that highlights why public school funding is a crucial issue this election for voters.
This data shows why public education must be a priority concern for all political parties and candidates in Boothby for the federal election.
Key points include:
- 58% of students in Boothby attend public schools
- When last in power, the coalition underfunded every student in Boothby by $2,021 each per year, and underfunded Boothby public schools by $34.4 million per year
- Public schools in Boothby have a higher proportion of students with additional needs, including 2.3 times the proportion of students from the lowest quartile of socio-educational advantage and 2.5 times the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students
This data demonstrates the high level of funding inequality that has been experienced by public schools in Boothby, denying teachers and students the vital resources needed for teaching and learning.
This election is an opportunity to vote for a better education for every child in Boothby’s public schools.
Full funding is the only way to ensure that every child gets the support they need to thrive and succeed.
