South Australia Shadow Minister for Education David Pisoni

Weatherill Misses The Mark On Education Reform

Victor P Taffa

In an attempt to thrust him back into the Leadership Spotlight Minister Weatherill has completely missed the mark on Education Reform.

After nearly ten years of education rhetoric and spin from the Rann Labor Government Minister Weatherill’s announcement that he will be offering $50,000 exit packages to teachers is yet another devastating blow to South Australia’s educators.

Shadow Education Minister David Pisoni said today that Premier-in-waiting Minister Weatherill is too busy focusing on the battle for Labor leadership to address the key issues facing South Australia’s education sector.

“What we have seen from Minister Weatherill today is a “what about me?” announcement as he tries to thrust himself back into the race for Labor Leadership.” Mr. Pisoni said.

“This announcement has completely missed the mark- it fails to give schools greater autonomy or to ensure South Australia will once again become national leaders in education.”

“What South Australia needs is a Government that is willing to inject prestige and value back into the teaching profession not just throwing money at people who may be close to retirement anyway.” Mr. Pisoni said.

“Our educators are so important and under Labor they have not been shown the respect they deserve.”

“It is unacceptable that a time when literacy and numeracy skills are declining South Australia has fewer teachers per student than the national average- today’s “what about me?” announcement has done nothing to address this.”

“Minister Weatherill and SA Labor are so busy fighting between themselves they have neglected to fight for education for South Australians.” Mr. Pisoni said.