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NGO leaders congratulate Premier Barry O'Farrell now want others to step up

23 April 2013

Fifteen of Australia's leading non-government community organisations have unanimously commended the Premier of NSW for his leadership in signing the National Education Reform Agreement and for putting the interests of NSW's young people first.

The NGO Leaders for Educational Opportunity recently signed an open letter calling on COAG members to put their political differences aside and deliver on school funding reform.

The group is now urging other states and territories to step up and follow NSW's lead.

Convened by the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA), the group includes representatives from FYA's Centre for New Public Education, The Smith Family, Mission Australia, Brotherhood of St Laurence, UnitingCare Australia, St Vincent de Paul Society, ACOSS, the Public Education Foundation and others.

The group believes that current funding arrangements are inconsistent and do not effectively support disadvantaged students.

"The NSW Government's decision to sign up to this historic funding package shows Premier O'Farrell to be a man of principle when it comes to education funding in NSW," said Verity Firth, Chief Executive of the Public Education Foundation.

"The decision by the NSW Government today demonstrates that the largest jurisdiction in Australia recognises that a needs based funding formula is the fairest way to fund all schools," Ms Firth continued.

"I congratulate Premier O'Farrell on his visionary leadership. I urge other state and territory leaders to follow NSW's lead and realise their shared commitment to supporting young people to realise their full potential," said Dr Lisa O'Brien, CEO of The Smith Family.

"Significant numbers of young Australians, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are not achieving key educational outcomes. This has to change in the interests of Australia's current and future prosperity," Dr O'Brien continued.

"I commend the NSW Government on its leadership. Premier O'Farrell has recognised the urgent need for reform," said Ricky Campbell-Allen, Director of FYA's Centre for New Public Education. "It's now up to other state governments to put the needs of their students and young people first."