Today’s report on Queensland’s Independent Public Schools shows they are destined for the scrapheap under Annastacia Palaszczuk, the LNP has warned.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said the report’s conclusions explained why Labor had kept the document under wraps for months.
“The release of this secret report spells the end of this important program – with no guarantee it will continue beyond the next election,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Many school communities will be bitterly disappointed that no new applications for IPS status will be considered by Labor.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk’s agenda is clear and Independent Public Schools are destined for the scrapheap if Labor wins the next election.
“The teachers’ union wants this program scrapped because schools are run by parents, teachers and principals instead of a central head office in Brisbane.
“Labor’s one-size fits all approach to education does not work. Research shows more autonomy improves school performance and student outcomes.”
Shadow Education Minister Jarrod Bleijie said Independent Public Schools had given principals, teachers and parents more control of education.
“The benefits of IPS include more school autonomy, less red-tape, fewer layers of management and better outcomes for students,” Mr Bleijie said.
“The IPS initiative has been backed by parents because it gives them a real say in their kids’ education.
“The LNP wants Queensland kids to be the smartest in the nation, which is why this program should be extended and enhanced.”