Education
EAP believe that every citizen of Australia has the right to an equal and thorough education, provided via access to a world class education system - regardless of their financial situation.
This investment in the future generations will lead to all citizens benefitting through advancements in all fields of endeavour.
A national curriculum in schools has already been put into place, and it is only right that this is fully supported and developed.
Competent educators at all levels should be valued at a true and equal level, and to achieve this aim we propose a national alignment of wage scales for all people working within the public school structure.
Private schools are free to operate outside of this structure, providing minimum standards are met.
EAP support the full rollout of the Gonski Report recommendations to better support the ongoing operations of schools, and the delivery of the highest possible standard of education to our children.
Assistance to families with school aged children will also improve, being addressed under our proposed tax reforms.
Qualifying educational and related expenses for primary and secondary students will become tax deductible to an agreed threshold.
Costs that qualify would include: Compulsory contributions, uniform costs, text books, and required equipment. Voluntary contributions will also qualify up to a separately agreed threshold.
Tertiary education will continue to be significantly subsidised by the Government, with a fully regulated HECS style user contribution system to remain in existence.
Private schools and private education providers will continue to receive a government subsidy for each student educated within their institutions, but this subsidy will be at a proportionally reduced rate to the figure paid to public education providers. These revised subsidies will be based upon the level of additional external fees paid to the schools, and shall include a cutoff point (to be determined) which will be implemented where funding shall cease completely.