National Media Releases

Myschool will foster culture of complaint but no solutions - The Hon Christopher Pyne MP

27th January 2010

The Julia Gillard solution for parents unhappy about school performance on the Myschool website is to confront and attack underperforming teachers, Christopher Pyne, Shadow Minister for Education said today.

“Ms Gillard has no other suggestions because there is no corresponding increase in autonomy for school principals and governing councils with the launch of the Myschool website tomorrow,” Mr Pyne said.

“Parents of students at public schools need to know that their school principal is currently unable to make staffing or funding decisions. These decisions are largely made by the state education departments,” he said.

“The Myschool website will foster a culture of complaint without offering an opportunity for solutions.

“Ms Gillard recently welcomed a report commissioned by the former Coalition Government into increasing autonomy for principals, but so far has failed to outline to anyone exactly what kind of reforms will be undertaken based on information from the website.

“Australia deserves better than a part-time Minister who has failed to ensure principals and school communities can take direct action on the Myschool information.