South Australian Senator Don Farrell will visit Riverland schools next week to present school leaders with national flags.
While in the region, Senator Farrell said he was keen to hear from principals and teachers about the impacts of the Turnbull Government’s school funding cuts.
“Our principals and teachers work very hard to provide quality education opportunities and outcomes for our kids,” Senator Farrell said.
“So it’s concerning that a recent survey has found some schools are so cash-strapped that principals and teachers are spending their own money or relying on fundraisers and donations to purchase basic classroom supplies.”
The Government’s $30 billion school funding cuts mean Schools in the electorate of Barker are set to lose more than $50 million in Federal funding.
Senator Farrell said he regularly heard from parents worried about the impact the cuts will have on their children’s access to quality education.
“It could mean teachers might be unable to give students the time and resources they deserve and need to develop the skills required in their adult life.”
In January, Senator Farrell contacted schools offering to replace worn or missing National and Aboriginal flags, as part of the Federal Parliament’s Constituents’ Request Program.
On Wednesday and Thursday, May 3-4, he will present flags to schools that submitted a request, along with a booklet outlining the history and significance of Australia’s flags.
“These resources will provide students with opportunities to learn about our national flags, what they symbolise and the protocols for flying them,” Senator Farrell said.