Education Bill omits non profits as key partner in improving educational outcomes

A national coalition of non-profit organisations has welcomed the Australian Education Bill 2012 introduced in federal parliament on Wednesday given its commitment to both a high quality and high equity schooling system and the allocation of funding based on student need. The coalition is calling on the Commonwealth and State and Territory governments to work expeditiously to realise the intent of the Bill.

The coalition is also urging that the Bill be refined to acknowledge the significant role non-profits play in improving educational outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged young Australians.

"The Bill is an important step in ensuring every Australian school student has the opportunity of an excellent education, which is the key to Australia's economic and social wellbeing now and into the future. But we are concerned that it fails to explicitly recognise the fundamental role non-profits play in improving educational performance amongst disadvantaged young Australians and we are keen to see that role acknowledged in the Bill," said Dr Lisa O'Brien, Chief Executive Officer of The Smith Family, speaking on behalf of the coalition.

"It's only through strong school-community partnerships that involve schools, families, governments, not-for-profit organisations and business working together, that we will lift the educational performance of all Australian children," said Dr O'Brien.

"This new legislation is a major step forward and we now urge all State and Territory governments to work collaboratively with the Commonwealth to address the significant educational challenges facing Australia," concluded Dr O'Brien.