New analysis reveals how thousands of students across NSW will be denied access to catch-up classes under Labor’s plan if they are elected.
Labor’s plan to cut funding from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s comprehensive small group tutoring program for schools will hit regional schools the hardest.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said over the past three years, almost $900 million in funding has been invested by the Liberal and Nationals to support more than 350,000 students to catch-up after years of disruption due to COVID-19, bushfires and floods.
“NSW was one of the first states to implement a comprehensive small group tutoring program to support students. We’re leading the nation with our investment in this program and have committed to keeping it a permanent part of schooling in NSW,” Ms Mitchell said.
“This year alone, we’ve committed more than $250 million to the tutoring program to support up to 120,000 students, including at select Catholic and Independent schools. If elected, Labor will cut this by $200 million, meaning up to 100,000 kids could miss out.”
Labor’s cuts to the program will disproportionately hit regional communities the hardest, with Barwon expected to lose more than $4 million in funding and Tamworth more than $3 million. Western Sydney would also suffer, with Liverpool, Mount Druitt, Cabramatta, and Fairfield set to lose a total of $21 million in funding.
“It is wrong and frankly disgraceful that Chris Minns has only committed to funding the program for one out every six of the students we currently support, yet refuses to come clean to families about it,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The fact is, families and kids across the State will miss out under Labor. Under a Liberal and Nationals Government families have certainty. They know that this Government has a vision to keep NSW moving forward, and a long-term economic plan to support every child from their first step to their first job.”
