Torquay alberghi aeroportualiWHAT ABOUT EDUCATION?

The lack of new education initiatives in this Budget confirms the low priority the Howard Government places on education.

ERROR MSGThe 2.25 million young Australians in our government schools receive no new money beyond indexation in this Budget - they are the forgotten children.

The schools' funding included in this Budget was announced two months ago. The vast bulk of the funding announced then was only that required of the Commonwealth Government to meet existing costs of education - that is indexation for all schools.

This Budget cements the Howard Government's unfair schools' funding system. Funding to government schools has increased by indexation or 27 per cent while funding to independent schools has increased by 47 per cent.

That means many needy schools will not get the funding they deserve. Labor will fund all schools - government and non-government on the basis of need.

There is not one extra cent for new TAFE places, despite 15,000 young people missing out on a place every year and many industries facing serious skill shortages.

This Budget fails the 20,000 qualified Australians turned away from university every year because the Howard Government refuses to fund enough places. Labor will create an extra 20,000 university places and 20,000 TAFE places each year.

The Howard Government's HECS hikes will cost the average university student and their family an extra $25 a week.

The Budget fine print also reveals that the Government will drive university students a further $90 million into deeper debt by slugging them with 20 per cent penalties when they take out a loan to pay fees.

ERROR MSGLabor supports the terrific values being taught in our schools and the additional funding for values education will further demonstrate what a great job they do.