Before the usual mantras turn up, I wish to point out that reporting on the Gonski report has been abysmal. Very few people know how the current funding model actually works and very few people know what the Gonski report actually proposes. There is comprehensive coverage at http://community.tes.co.uk/forums/t/576719.aspx?PageIndex=1 (including evidence that class sizes do matter) and, more recently and specifically, in my posts at http://theconversation.edu.au/test-shock-is-our-education-system-failing-students-11308.

As for the line about class envy, I will repeat what I have said before: “However, in the end, we will be laughing at the Coalition when the Gonski report is implemented and private schools, overall, get the best deal they have ever had.”

Once again Kevin demonstrates why he should not have any part in Australian education. Kevin complete rejection of reality in favour of his fantasy world is laid bare.
The greens are not playing the politics of envy. The greens are full of idealist. The greens and the labour and I think many in the liberal parties view on education are simple.
All children deserve to have the ability to be whatever they are capable of being not matter what the background or circumstance of their parents.
The differences between the parties are about how best to achieve this outcome. To suggest otherwise would need good evidence, and as we all know. Evidence is not something Kevin wants to look at let alone use, it gets in the way of his beliefs. Another F Kevin I’m afraid if you keep this up you’ll have to see the headmaster.

BTW this latest article by Kevin has got me thinking has anyone ever seen runner and Kevin in the same room?

Not again! Please, when anyone mentions means testing school funding outcomes? Someone like the author brings out the BS politics of envy?
Given that is the only defence they can muster for the continuance of middle class welfare?
Agree with Chris C, inasmuch as the Gonski report, does not, repeat does not discriminate against Catholic schools, or any student, regardless of class or background, but rather, proposes a minimum funding model, based on just numbers?
You'd think someone with an education background, would at least understand the simple maths?
The greens have every right to propose a demonstrably fair means test?
What's wrong with that?
I mean, the coalition want spending cuts and a surplus?
Simply put, they can't have their cake and eat it too; or, middle class welfare and a surplus as well!
Rhrosty.

If I and my friends decide not to use the public road system and pay for the construction of our own private roads over land that we own, that's fine. But if I then go cap-in-hand to the State and Federal governments and demand recompense for the cost of the roads that we chose to build and use, that's diabolical cheek. And if the governments knuckle under and actually pay those costs, that's theft from the taxpayer.

A properly-funded State school system is an essential component of a functioning secular open society. Anyone who doesn't want to use it should be at liberty to do so; but they shouldn't be paid or subsidised to do so, any more than people should be subsidised for building their own roads or hiring their own police forces.

JonJ

To use your analogy, it is increasingly common for government to partner with private enterprise to build roads. The same has been done for countless years. The private partner brings $$, expertise, ideas and efficiency not possessed within government. The new tunnels in Brisbane are examples. Without the private partners doing the hard yards the tunnels just wouldn't happen.

Private schools have done a lot of heavy lifting for governments bereft of funds, efficiency and ideas. Private schools have also led in best practice. Not surprisingly, many of those who would criticise private schools have no way of creating and funding a public schools system to cater for all students.

Greens' politics of envy is no reason to disrupt a system that works well.