Computer Plan 'a Con', Says Nelson

The Age

Monday April 7, 2008

Jewel Topsfield, Canberra with AAP

THE $1 billion pledge to provide computers to all students in years 9 to 12 has been branded a "con" by the Opposition, which claims parents, the states and independent schools will have to cough up three dollars for every dollar spent by the Federal Government.

And West Australian Premier Alan Carpenter has placed renewed pressure on the Federal Government to pick up the tab for the additional costs associated with the computer roll-out.

Education Minister Julia Gillard was yesterday again forced to insist the centrepiece of the so-called "education revolution" remained on track, after reports that principals had warned the computer plan was in danger of descending into a shambles.

Earlier this year The Age reported that education groups had warned of a gaping hole in the plan, with states forced to pay for teacher training and infrastructure.

Principals fear many of the nation's neediest schools - which will receive the first $100 million round of funding by June 30 - do not have enough power points, suitable climate-controlled classrooms or IT-trained teachers to be able to fully benefit from the computers.

Ms Gillard said the computers-in-schools plan was always intended to be a partnership with the states.

"We are . . . working with the states and territories on related questions like electricity supply, like of course professional development for teachers, like making sure that curriculum is there that embeds the computer technology into learning," Ms Gillard said on Channel Ten.

"That partnership will make sure that computers are in schools in circumstances where they can be used."

But Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson said the Government had conned parents and short-changed children.

"For every dollar of any computer delivered to the school there's at least another three dollars that will have to be paid for by the parent community, or by Catholic, independent or state schools," Mr Nelson said.

"What Mr Rudd's involved in here is a con. It's like buying a car without an engine in it and it's very important that the Government sort out this mess and make sure that our kids get the computers that they were promised and that no parent, no working family is forced to pay an extra dollar as a result of Mr Rudd not fully delivering on his promises."

Mr Carpenter said he had made it clear at the last Council of Australian Governments meeting that there were costs other than just dropping the computers at the school.

"They should not expect ordinary people or the state government to fund their election commitments," he said.

Ms Gillard said a recent audit had identified almost 300,000 students from 937 of the nation's 2650 secondary schools, who could benefit from the first $100 million. She said 90% of these schools had applied for the computers, which showed the program was being met with enthusiasm in schools. -- With AAP

KEY POINTS

? Opposition: Others must add $3 to every Government dollar.

? WA Premier: States shouldn't have to fund federal pledges.

? Principals fear many schools are not ready for computers.

© 2008 The Age

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