Danby Delivers a Fair Go for Local Jewish Schools

 

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR MELBOURNE PORTS, MICHAEL Danby, today visited Moriah College with Labor Leader, Kevin Rudd, Shadow Education Spokesman Stephen Smith, and Labor Candidate for Wentworth, George Newhouse, along with leaders of Sydney's Jewish community.

From left: Michael Danby MP, Moriah College principal Dr Leon Bernstein, Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd, Stephen Smith MP, George Newhouse and student Jeremy Cassrells at Moriah College. Photo: Ingrid Shakenovsky

During the visit, Mr. Rudd announced a breakthrough funding commitment that will address the inequities inherent to the SES (Socio-Economic Status) funding formula that disadvantages many Jewish Schools, and an enduring funding solution that addresses the significant burden under which Jewish Schools have long suffered on account of the considerable costs associated with their security needs.

Under a Rudd Labor Government, $16 million will be invested in redressing the formula that has penalised Jewish schools owing to their locations, with $20 million over four years to be provided to meet security costs at those schools deemed to be at risk.

The announcement comes after ongoing negotiations between Mr. Danby, Mr. Rudd and Mr. Smith over the need to fix the long-standing funding problem. It also follows the visit by Mr. Smith with Mr. Danby to Mount Scopus, Yeshivah Beth Rivkah and Adass Israel Schools in May to discuss funding arrangements.

"During my time as Member for Melbourne Ports I have lobbied endlessly to get a better deal for all Jewish Schools, not just those in my electorate. Righting this wrong along with Kevin and Stephen is something I am proud to have been a part of- I look forward to seeing this through", Mr. Danby said.

"I think this is a fantastic outcome, and it shows great leadership and on the part of Kevin Rudd and Stephen Smith to have listened to the concerns and needs of the community and to give parents being slugged with excessive fees due to a flawed funding formula and high security costs", added Mr. Danby.

Mr. Danby concluded: "Labor's stance and leadership on this important issue could not contrast more with the approach of the Liberals, who have at every step been left in our wake- they have announced before every election during their time in Government that they will fix the funding flaws, and have failed to deliver every time. Rather than fixing the problems, they just play catch-up."

Michael Danby and Kevin Rudd make the big education announcement.

Rudd’s $20m security plan for Jewish schools.

Federal Labor Commits to Funding for Jewish Schools.

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