An independent MP has blasted both sides of politics for the “catfight” over school funding, lamenting the impact it will have on Australian children.
Andrew Wilkie told parliament on Monday that David Gonski’s plan for education reform had become a political plaything for Labor and the coalition.
Labor’s “Gonski lite” and Malcolm Turnbull’s “Gonski 2.0” plans fall short of Gonski’s suggested $5 billion extra year – or $6.5 billion a year now, with inflation.
“This place is letting our kids down and I’m appalled,” Mr Wilkie said.
Mr Wilkie said in seven years in parliament, he had never heard so much “sanctimonious claptrap” as he had during debate on the new proposal.
“It’s disingenuous for both the government and the opposition to come in here and be so sanctimonious and have this catfight about who’s delivering the real Gonski.
“Frankly, no one is delivering the real Gonski.”
The Tasmanian questioned parliament’s priorities, arguing that if Australia could afford to double its submarine fleet, it could afford to better fund education.
“The community want the politics taken out of this.”
Fellow crossbencher Rebekha Sharkie echoed Mr Wilkie’s sentiments, saying debate on the issue has been full of half-truths.
“There’s been so much spin on this matter that it’s enough to make the most seasoned follower of politics giddy,” the Nick Xenophon Team MP said.
Ms Sharkie, however, believes the Turnbull government’s plan is a step in the right direction.
The federal government may have to rely on crossbench support to get its proposed funding model through parliament.
Greens leader Richard Di Natale said the legislation, as it stands, has far too many problems and won’t be supported in the lower house.
Asked whether he was open to negotiation in the Senate, he told Sky News on Monday: “Unless you … take this back to the original Gonski funding formula we can’t support it.”