The Coalition has given an “unequivocal” commitment to equitable funding for students with disabilities, regardless of their choice of school.

The commitment was made during Shadow Education Minister Christopher Pyne’s address to the Christian Schools National Policy Forum (25/5/10).

“I’m pleased to advise you today that if elected a coalition government will address the structural issues that cause the disparity in funding support between the government and non-government sector,” Mr Pyne said.

“I can unequivocally say that if the coalition is elected, our commitment would be that students with disability should have exactly the same support, from government, whether it is state or federal government or a combination of both, and whether they choose a non-government or government school.”

Comment

CSA is absolutely delighted with this announcement. In this election year we believe there could not be a more important commitment.

The issue is complex, involving state and federal funding, and this is acknowledged. However for too long the complexity of the task has been used as an excuse for not tackling this clear inequity. In the context of the forthcoming review of all school funding, the way should be clear for this issue to be resolved once and for all.  

For this reason we have been asking for the adoption of a clear and simple policy commitment for equitable treatment of these students between sectors and between states.

This week's announcement is the first time a full equity principle has been adopted by a major party. The Coalition’s policy is very welcome and was enthusiastically received by those present at the Forum.

A bipartisan approach would be in the interest of a very disadvantaged group of Australian students.

Background

Students with Disability have less choice than other students, because the additional funding available to them differs depending on their choice of school.

Support available for students with disability in non-government schools is often many times less than that available for the same child in a government school. In some cases funding support is simply not available, in others it is so limited as to be ineffective.

The result is that students with disabilities do not have the same choice of schooling as other students – a fact which can be particularly hard on families with disabled and non-disabled students.

Addressing this disparity, which we believe to be a form of discrimination against these students and their parents, is a primary policy objective for the Christian schools sector, with others in non-government schooling.

Christopher Pyne told the Forum that the Christian school movement’s representations had been important in the Coalition’s policy deliberations.

Speech extract:

“In particular when reading the Christian Schools Australia submission to the government, on the draft terms of reference for the schools funding review [here], I did note your comments that we need a more strategic intervention to help schools improve those outcomes for the most disadvantage students, including those with special needs.

“I am proud to tell you that we have been investigating this issue with the view to bring some fairness and equity to the education system of Australia for students with disabilities and their families as a matter of priority. And I’m pleased to advise you today that if elected a coalition government will address the structural issues that cause the disparity in funding support between the government and non-government sector. And I do want to take this opportunity to thank you for being part of this process and for the ongoing engagement that we’ll have on this issue.”

Additional information

 A Fair Go for Students With Disabilities:  CSA policy discussion paper (2009)

Further: the plight of Daniel Clarke, a student at Northern Beaches Christian School, has recently highlighted the dilemma facing many. See the story here (external site)