Deforming education

May 26, 2025

Of course, education in Australia needs reform. For one thing, if public education funding matched the revenue that goes to private schools (fees plus government subsidies), private schools could not claim the superiority which they need to survive.

Also, fewer parents would feel the need to pay for private education. Not only would this level the educational playing field, but it would have a downward effect on the cost of living. I mean, who needs to fork out an extra $5000 a year, per kid, for the same education? As Liz Kirkby used to say, “Public schools should be so well funded that nobody in their right minds would want to pay for a private education.”

But, more importantly (with regard to the current devastation going on in Gaza) the government funding of religious schools in Australia is subsidising both Jewish and Islamic schools to propagate myths that spread distrust and hatred. Surely, it would be better if all students attended public schools where they could learn to get along with each other?