Liberal Party urged to tell the truth on Pinjarra school

5/11/04
Education and Training Minister Alan Carpenter has called on Opposition Leader Colin Barnett to tell the truth about the Liberal party's position on Pinjarra Senior High School.
Mr Carpenter said the State Government was aware of the needs at the school.
"We will make our plans for Pinjarra clear in due course," he said.
"In the meantime, I am pleased to see that the Liberal Party has stumbled across a public school in its pre-election travels.
"The people of Pinjarra and the rest of Western Australia already know that Liberal governments treat public schools like second-class citizens.
"Federally, the Howard Liberal Government's contribution to capital works in WA State schools is less today than it was more than 10 years ago.
"In 1993-94, the Keating Federal Government contributed $25.5million of a total schools capital works budget in WA of $69.5million.
"In 2004-05, the allocation from the Howard Government is only $25.18million out of a total WA schools capital works budget of $151.8million.
"The Gallop Government is spending twice as much on capital works for schools, while the Federal Government has actually cut its contribution.
"Parents, teachers and students at public schools already know they are far better off with a Labor Government running public schools.
"I note with interest that the Leader of the Opposition's website still has the Liberals committed to only $20million extra for school maintenance compared with the Gallop Government's commitment for $65million extra. (http://www.loop.wa.gov.au/files/policies/School%20Maintenance0.doc )
"This is less than a third of the Gallop Government's commitment of $65million and a massive $45million cut to maintenance spending on WA schools
"What other school is Mr Barnett taking this money from?"
"Colin Barnett needs to tell the truth. Which schools would get money under a Liberal Government, and which schools would miss out?"
Minister's office: 9213 6800