3 March 2015

Seselja welcomes funding for safer schools

| Canfan
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Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja has today welcomed funding for Canberra Grammar School under the Coalition Government’s $18 million Schools Security Programme.

“Canberra Grammar School is one of 54 schools to receive funding under the programme, which delivers on our election commitment to continue assistance to schools at risk of attack, harassment or violence caused by racial or religious intolerance,” he said.

For the first time, funding under this programme can now be used to employ security guards, as well as for the installation of security infrastructure, such as closed-circuit television cameras, security lighting and fencing.

“This support recognises the unique security circumstances that some schools unfortunately face,” Seselja said.

“The Coalition Government is serious about providing a safe environment for students, teachers and staff in Australian schools. All our children have the right to be educated in a safe and secure setting.

The 54 successful schools included:

  • 11 Government schools – $1,931,500
  • 17 Jewish schools – $7,569,100
  • 15 Islamic schools – $4,439,800
  • 11 Independent schools – $2,706,200

Schools were invited to apply for funding after being nominated by state and territory education ministers and independent schools associations. Of the applications received, 54 were selected on merit following an assessment of their applications against the criteria set for the Schools Security Programme.

(Zed Seselja media release)

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So the break down is:

An average of $445241 for each Jewish school
An average of $295986 for each Islamic school
An average of $246018 for each Private school
An average of $175590 for each Government school.

I acknowledge that some schools may require proportionally more depending on their circumstances, but has there been any incidents in the ACT that justify Jewish schools getting on average 2.5 times more government funding than Government schools?

I want to know that this is based on genuine need and not pork barrelling strong lobby groups and party supporters.

On the list quoted, I can’t see any of the school groups nominated that qualify for protection from racial intolerance.
Religious perhaps but which school in Australia is exclusive to a singular race?

When I saw the heading I thought Zed and the Libs had given funding for the Safe Schools program run by the LGBTI community. Then I saw the words Safer, terrorism and Canberra Grammar and I thought “that’s more like Zed and the Libs”.

Solidarity said :

I wonder if Erindale, Karabah or Dickson colleges applied?

Hmm.

CGS though, more money?

I’m conflicted.

Yeah it’s hard to see CGS needing more support.

I wonder if Erindale, Karabah or Dickson colleges applied?

Hmm.

CGS though, more money?

I’m conflicted.

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