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True about education... but don't believe the shite your hearing from the education union about funding.
Don't get me wrong, more education and health funding is needed, quickly too. (my brother is a public hospital doctor)
But (and I'll state from the outset that i went to a private school), the AEU have these TV ads comparing "funding" of public and private schools from the "government". (you'll se why i put them ininverted commas, it is a direct quote) What they don't say is that constitutionally, education (and health) are state matters, and that the majority of funding comes from the states. So while the AEU says that public schools are getting less funding from the federal government than private schools, what it doesn't say is that when you take into account state funding, public schools are getting around $6k more per student than private schools are, so when you add private fees, they come out about even (true, slightly in favour of privates)
I have not made these figures up, they were pubished a little while back in The Advertiser (adelaide newspaper)
Once again don't get me wrong, education needs a funding boost, especially public schools, but look past the surface of the politically motivated unions and find the real facts.
As one of my (public school educated) mates said, "really, every child should receive the same amount of funding for education, cos one is not more important than the other. Thats the only fair way about it. Is it practical? no. Is is ever going to happen? no"
I like a good rant
As for the uni students coming out complaining about HECS increases (I am a uni student), watching the news probably a third had signs saying "FREE EDUCATION", once again the socialist/communist groups are using a completely different arguement to further their cause. Free uni education is a crock, face reality, its never going to happen, nor should it happen.
The increase of HECS is dependent on the uni's own decision, and funds will go into the uni to provide better facilities, resources etc. I don't really mind either way about the HECS, it probably won't involve me, and it is deferable along with the rest of the HECS payment, so you pay it back later... no difference to the system now. What they seem to forget is that the money will be used on them, so i beg, think about it, don't just complain because its a bit more money you have to pay back in 5 years time.
What is more of a pressing issue is the loss of the ETSS subsidy. this gives students (of all types) 8% discount off text books to offset the GST. There is no reason to can this program. I am studying a medical based degree, some books by themselves cost $300. This program should live on, it is important and goes a long way to providing affordable education.
But the bottom line is to increase funding for all education, then there wouldn't be these problems.
Hopefully now i have finished my rant...
Oh one other thing............ no only joking, thats enough from me.
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