The Deputy Labor Leader, Tanya Plibersek says state schools in Rankin will be $25.8 million better off under a Shorten Labor Government.

“Parents and teachers will be able to find out how much extra funding their local state school will get and what a difference this will make for their kids,” Ms Plibersek said.

“Our website – www.fairgoforschools.com.au – will give each school an estimate of the extra funding it can expect in the first three years of Labor’s plan.

“Labor will provide an extra $14 billion for state schools to deliver the biggest school investment in Australian history.”

The Member for Rankin, Jim Chalmers, said every student in every state school in Rankin will be better off under Labor’s plan.

 “Browns Plains State School, where we’re visiting today, will be around $670,000 better off in the first three years of a Shorten Labor Government,” Mr Chalmers said.

“Woodridge High will be $1.89 million better off, Crestmead State School will be $1.61 million better off and Yugumbir State School will be $1.18 million better off. [See full table below]

“Parents and teachers know what this could mean for their children: more one on one attention, an extra teacher or teacher aide.  This funding will give schools the resources they need to help students master the basics such as reading, writing, maths, and science, and offer a broader range of subjects including languages, coding, the arts, and vocational education.

“Our extra investment will transform state schools across Rankin and give all children the opportunity to reach their full potential, no matter where they live, or how much their parents earn.

Ms Plibersek said Australian schools should be the best in the world, and every Australian child deserves the best start in life.

“Labor believes that for parents to have real choice, governments have a responsibility to make sure our state schools are second to none,” Ms Plibersek said.

“But at the moment, because of Scott Morrison’s cuts, almost nine in ten state schools will never get to their fair funding level.

“Over the last five years all the Liberals have done is attack state schools and slash their funding. 

“Scott Morrison doesn’t think the 2.5 million students in the state school system deserve fair funding – he thinks he can get away with his cuts.

“Labor can pay for better state schools because unlike the Liberals, we’re closing tax loopholes for the top end of town and making multinationals pay their fair share. 

“Scott Morrison’s record as Treasurer is three budgets of cuts to schools, all to pay for his tax handouts to the big banks and top end of town.

“Labor has different priorities – we will crackdown on multinational tax avoidance and give our kids a better future by investing in schools.

“At the next election there will be a clear choice for voters – Labor’s commitment to invest in state schools, or the Liberals’ cuts.”