SM

I never expected you to further investigate the links I gave - ADOGS have many links to evidence for their claims. And good reason to promote fair and equitable education for all irrespective of income or religion - another point that escapes you regardless of the plethora of evidence provided by many at this forum.

Also you never answered my question regarding your claim that State Governments would be financially disadvantaged, if the Federal Government invested more in public schools than Private-for-Profit Schools. You then blithely proceeded to insult my ability at maths instead. Logic please. You have no idea what my abilities are, but here's a hint, I have a degree in Applied Science. Of course, you will not be deleted for flaming - so you have nothing to fear.

To all, I have focussed upon the term 'Private-for-Profit' schools for good reason - seems some of you have managed to miss that term. There are excellent not-for-profit schools that specialise in teaching disabled or other specialist programs such as arts or science based curriculums. This does bring into question religion based schools, as no single religion can prove it is the one single truth, perhaps a prerequisite would be the teaching of comparative religions in order to qualify for government assistance.

Suzeonline

Religious classes that encompass ALL religious beliefs is not an issue. The teaching of only one religion is a massive price to pay, given the world wide problems we have today because of religious zealotry, only this morning I was listening to radio broadcasts about the Palestinian/Israeli conflict based on each side claiming God given right to a variety of landmarks in Jerusalem and other landscapes of human viewed significance. I could list many, many more horrific conflicts due to religious division, but I am sure you get my point.

Grim

Thank you for taking the time to read and try to understand my posts, I will try harder to be more concise in order that others cannot claim to misunderstand what I am trying to say, which is simply this:

Private Schools are being funded to the detriment of public schools - this is inequitable for a self-proclaimed egalitarian nation that Australia likes to believe it is.

The above was part of my original post but due to 350 word constraint had no choice but to add this final part as a new post.

Democracy is not everything for all, weather they want it or not. Its of, by & for the majority, giving the best for least. That means we should not waste time & money on those with no Hope

To make schools work is not that hard, really.

First bring back proper streaming, so those who want to can learn at the best rate.

Bring back real discipline, so those who don't want to learn will not cause so much trouble.

Bring in many courses like mechanical & wood work, with more in school apprenticeships for the less academic.

Chuck out the no hope dills. On the scrap heap if necessary, it's where they're going anyway.

Chuck out 25% of the most useless teachers. They do nothing for anyone except themselves.

Chuck out all ex teachers from education departments around the country.

Bring in private sector managers, with the ability to sack.

We would get rid of the sheltered workshop for dud teachers, & just may be get some work happening.

"Chuck out the no hope dills. On the scrap heap if necessary, it's where they're going anyway."
Chuck them where, precisely? Botany Bay? Uh, hand on a minute, I think...
I think there are more than enough jobs that need doing, for everyone to be gainfully employed.
Possibly even CPA's and lawyers..

Hi Severin

One other point I wish to raise in all fairness: the Catholic system does set assignments and work in class on alternative religions; Buddhism Hinduism and others. My son was given at least four different religions to research and write about each year through high school. Primary school ditto.

Back to the point regarding funding and equality.

You do realise that each state varies according to the funding received by private schools from government Severin?

Annual difference. Scraps to some, zilch some years, a small percentage other years.

One school many years ago did not receive their small percentage given that State government's financial situation at the time, which led to all the fundraising performed by parents in order for disability infrastructure implemented, along with extensions and buildings added, to support the growing numbers of the population flocking to book their kids into private schools ie the catholic schools.

These kids would otherwise have been attending public schools, the numbers up into their 40's by now, with teachers inundated, crime worse, lack of quality teaching and a total lack of control within public school classroom and school environments; the list endless.

Friends with families from both, two at present are taking their kids out of the public system and paying the extras to place them in the private system given the additional programs and discipline.

Further, new concepts and innovative preparational courses are about to commence in many catholic high schools giving students [both Catholic and non-Catholics] an advantage for both university and Tafe; funded by parents.

'funded by parents'

Good Idea too. A child's educational resources should be determined by the wealth of the parents at their school. If poor parents don't care enough about their kids to sell chocolates after their late cleaning shift at the hospital, why should rich parents be disadvantaged.