Both the Australian Education Union (AEC) and the Independent Schools Association have congratulated the Alabanese Government on its election win on Saturday.
ISA Chief Executive Officer Graham Catt said the result offered the Government a clear mandate, but also a clear responsibility. “This election, our campaign demonstrated that Independent school families are not a political afterthought. They are taxpayers, voters, and active members of their communities—and their voices were heard,” Mr Catt said.
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The ISA has been concerned in recent years that Independent schools have been demonised by some sectors, with claims that independent schools are overfunded at the expense of public schools. ISA, however, argues that independent schools are an important part of the schooling mix, and offer Australian families a choice about the type of education they would like their children to have, and also takes pressure of the public school system.
“We’ve enjoyed a positive working relationship with Minister Clare. We don’t yet know who will hold the education portfolio, but whoever it is, we’ll work constructively and advocate clearly. School choice must remain a priority,” Mr Catt said.
The AEU also congratulated the Albanese Government on its re-election and renewed mandate to support a fair and inclusive education system.
Correnna Haythorpe, AEU President, said: “The AEU congratulates Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labor Government on its historic election result.
“The Prime Minister’s vision ‘no one held back, no one left behind’ captures the very essence of public education and reflects what teachers and education support staff work for every day.”
“We acknowledge the significant steps the Albanese Government has already taken to address funding inequality in public education and to support our teachers,” Ms Haythorpe said.
“But there is still work to do to resolve Australia’s teaching workforce shortages. And, to invest in providing high quality teaching and learning facilities for public education.”
While it is not yet known who will hold the education portfolio, both the AEU and ISA have said they look forward to working constructively and collaboratively with the government.
