MEDIA RELEASES 2011-2003
15-11-11: Northern Territory Government Gags Public School Communities
“Public education is the backbone of this country, and public school supporters have a right to advocate for better resourcing. In an area of the country that is rich in diversity but extremely high in needs we are appalled to think that the government would believe resources were plentiful.” This is the reaction from Australian Council of State School Organisations President Peter Garrigan to a Northern Territory Government memo stating school facilities can only be used for official school business and that the National Day of Action is not classified as such … MS Word format | PDF format
14-11-11: Unethical Behaviour over Ethics Classes
The Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO) once again calls upon the O’Farrell government to uphold its election commitment to the parents in NSW Public Schools by honouring the legislation to allow ethics classes to be held for students opting out of special religious education … MS Word format | PDF format
14-11-11: Act Now for Public Education
Tomorrow, 15 November 2011, parents, teachers and principals will be participating in a National Day of Action in support of fairer funding to Public Education. Speaking on the eve of the Day of Action, Peter Garrigan, President of the Australian Council of State School Organisations, stated, “We are calling on all public school communities to send a clear message … MS Word format | PDF format
13-11-11: National Conversation with Parents
The Australian Council of State School Organisations would like to congratulate Federal Minister for School Education Peter Garrett on his innovative strategy to engage with school communities in the National Conversation with Parents. “On Monday, November 14, parents from across the country will have the opportunity to participate in this event either in person, online or through twitter … MS Word format | PDF format
10-11-11: Victorian Government Gags Public School Parents
“The decision by the Victorian Government to “ban” schools from taking part in the Federal Schools Funding Review ‘National Day of Action’ is a disgrace,” claims Peter Garrigan, President of the Australian Council of State School Organisations. “Public education is the backbone of this country, and parents together with public school
supporters have a right to advocate for better resourcing” … MS Word format | PDF format
28-10-11: Parents acknowledge and thank teachers
International Teacher’s Day on the 28th of October is an opportunity to celebrate the work of teachers and school principals in Public Schools around Australia. The Australian Council of State School Organisations would like to thank teachers for the wonderful work that they do for our students within the Public Education system in order to build Australia’s future … MS Word format | PDF format
21-10-11: Parents unite to build demand for Asian languages and studies
The Australian Parents Council (APC) and the Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO) are inviting parents from around Australia to be part of an exciting and innovative project, Parents Understanding Asia Literacy: Building demand for Asian languages and studies … MS Word format | PDF format
13-10-11: National Day of Action – Parents, Teachers and Principals unite
At the National Conference of the Australian Council of State School Organisations, President Peter Garrigan announced a National Day of Action for Tuesday November 15, called by organisations representing parents, teachers and principals … MS Word format | PDF format
09-10-11: ACSSO NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2011 – Parents : Partners in Education
In the lead up to the release of the Gonski report recommendations the importance we place on a vibrant, viable public education sector will be examined at this year’s national parent conference. “The future of Public Education in Australia relies on the unwavering support of government and the successful partnerships between government, parents and communities.” stated Peter Garrigan, President of the Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO) … MS Word format | PDF format
07-09-11: Students need additional support
The Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO) is pleased to see some directional change and broadening of the National School Chaplaincy Program. Speaking on behalf of ACSSO, President Peter Garrigan said, “Today’s announcement of alterations to the National School Chaplaincy Program were a clear acknowledgement that this program needs to better recognize and value the secular nature of our public schools. We support the notion of the school community having a greater voice in this” … MS Word format | PDF format
02-09-11: Research is clear – funding model needs a serious overhaul
Commenting on the release of the four research papers commissioned by the Gonski Review, ACSSO President Peter Garrigan stated, “The Australian Government should ‘set the quality’ of education that every child should receive through the public education system. It was evident from the research that the system of funding in Australia was flawed, inequitable and ultimately failed in its ability to guarantee that every child has access to high quality education … MS Word format | PDF format
31-07-11: Unethical for NSW Government to be Bullied Over Ethics Classes
The Australian Council of School Organisations was appalled to read this weekend that the Premier of New South Wales was bowing to the pressure of the Reverend Fred Nile in regard to the legislation surrounding ethics classes. ACSSO President Peter Garrigan stated today, “As a national organisation we saw the NSW government as providing an exemplar in listening to the parent voice. What we read in the media yesterday is bullying and unethical behaviour in its purest form” … MS Word format | PDF format
18-07-11: Professional support should accompany body image packs
The Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO) commends the Federal Government on the provision of ‘Respect Every Body’ posters and learning resources to schools. Responding to the announcement today, ACSSO President Peter Garrigan saidd, “There is considerable evidence to support that body image rates as a major concern amongst our young people. Current research also supports that this is one of the top themes underlying mental health issues experienced by adolescents and young adults” … MS Word format | PDF format
18-07-11: Support our public schools towards a sustainable future
The Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO) acknowledges the need for governments to put in place strategies to reduce our carbon footprint. Speaking on the issue today, ACSSO President Peter Garrigan said, “We need to act to ensure the future for our young people. In doing this, we call on the government to make certain that public services like health and education are not left financially disadvantaged” … MS Word format | PDF format
15-07-11: Give and Take – the South Australian Government Way
The Australian Council of State School Organisations is appalled at the recent announcement of the South Australian Government that it will charge teenagers as young as 16 a proportion of their income towards rent of public housing. “Once again, governments are targeting our most marginalised communities by charging young people up to 20% of their Austudy, Youth Allowance or other income in order to continue living with their parents,” ACSSO President Peter Garrigan said in response to the announcement … MS Word format | PDF format
29-06-11: Successful Beginnings Are So Important
The Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO) has a long held belief that a strong early childhood focus and investment by a nation lays an effective foundation for every young person’s growth and their educational outcomes. Speaking after hearing the findings of the National Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Workforce Census 2010, ACSSO President Peter Garrigan stated “We are extremely pleased to see data collected regarding the number of trained professionals in our early childhood settings” … MS Word format | PDF format
28-06-11: Qualified Secular Support is the Answer
Following the ABC TV 7:30 Report (Monday, June 27) the Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO) has expressed alarm that the Minister for Education, Peter Garrett, favours further expansion of the National School Chaplaincy Program. “An increasing number of case studies, as described in the 7:30 Report, have clearly identified serious breaches of the guidelines, citing examples of chaplains using their positions to proselytize in public schools,” stated ACSSO President Peter Garrigan … MS Word format | PDF format
21-06-11: Larger Investment Needed to Close the Gap
The Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO) welcomes the announcement yesterday of the $5 million investment by the Commonwealth Government into the ‘Teach Remote’ program. This program will be managed by the National Alliance for Remote Indigenous Schools (NARIS) and will focus on recruiting, training, supporting and rewarding teachers working in these communities. “ACSSO acknowledges the importance of retaining and supporting quality teachers in remote communities,” stated ACSSO President Peter Garrigan regarding the announcement … MS Word format | PDF format
03-06-11: Congratulations to outstanding maths and science students
“The Australian Council of State School Organisations would like to send their heartiest congratulations to the 12 public school students who have been selected to represent Australia in the International Olympiad competition to be held in July,” announced Peter Garrigan, ACSSO President today. “Over half of the Australian team are students from our great Public Schools. This only continues to highlight the excellent achievements being made in public education” … MS Word format | PDF format
25-05-11: Parents Celebrate Public Education Day
Tomorrow, May 26th, Public Education Day will be celebrated in public school communities across Australia.
“This event provides an opportunity to highlight the wonderful achievements of public education as a cornerstone of Australian society,” announced Mr Peter Garrigan, President of the Australian Council of State School Organisations. “Many schools take this opportunity to plan and celebrate with a variety of activities including morning tea with their school community, tree planting ceremonies, school assemblies, grandparent days, performing arts displays and lunchtime concerts and barbeques” … MS Word format | PDF format
19-05-11: Parents Express Grave Concerns
“Parents are gravely concerned with the reporting today of schools using NAPLAN data to determine a young person’s suitability for enrolment,” Peter Garrigan, President of the Australian Council of State School Organisations, stated today. “NAPLAN is only one piece of evidence for parents and teachers to see how well a student is doing at school. It can be most helpful in being able to identify their progress in literacy and numeracy. While we understand that many secondary schools have criteria to prioritise applicants when considering out of area placements it is totally inappropriate for the NAPLAN results to be used in such a way,” Mr Garrigan continued … MS Word format | PDF format
19-05-11: Parents Support Walk Safely to School Day
Now in its 12th year, Walk Safely to School Day will be celebrated by primary children all around our nation. “By highlighting this day to our young people, parents are supporting an important step towards a healthier lifestyle”, said Peter Garrigan, President of the Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO). “This day actively promotes the vitally important message to our communities and to our young people: Active Kids are Healthy Kids. By parents, carers and their children building regular walking to and from school into their daily routine, we are ensuring that we are all working towards a healthier, more active lifestyle” … MS Word format | PDF format
11-05-11: Budget Hit and Miss
“ACSSO receives this year’s budget with mixed feelings”, announced Peter Garrigan, President of the Australian Council of State School Organisations. “We are pleased to see new monies for education and we are extremely pleased to see the $200 million dedicated to students with disabilities — long needed and lobbied for … Much to our disappointment is the allocation of an additional $220 million investment to the National School Chaplaincy Program, while the program review remains incomplete. To allocate additional resources prior to the release of the review findings is ludicrous … MS Word format | PDF format
04-05-11: A budget announcement most anticipated and applauded
High on the wish list for public school parent organisations across the country has been additional funding for students with disabilities. “The Australian Council of State School Organisations applauds the Federal Government’s announcement of a further $200 million for students with disabilities”, President Peter Garrigan announced today. “Parent organisations have advocated relentlessly for this under-resourced area of education” … MS Word format | PDF format
03-05-11: Rewards – no answer for quality teaching
Every parent knows that a quality teacher in front of their child’s classroom makes a huge difference to the outcomes of students; however the announcement of one off cash rewards for “top” teachers is not the answer. Speaking on behalf of the Australian Council of State School Organisations, Peter Garrigan, claims “Our children need their teachers working collegially, not only with each other, but with the other key players in a child’s development.” … MS Word format | PDF format
18-03-11: National Parents’ Voice Supports National Day of Action
The Australian Council of State School Organisations, representing the voice of parents in government schools, would like to add its support for the first National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. Speaking from the National Symposium: Strategic Action Against Bullying in Brisbane today President Peter Garrigan stated, “Latest research reveals that one in four students in schools in our nation is bullied” … MS Word format | PDF format
01-03-11: Investing in Public Education – the Way to the Future
“A strong, well resourced Public Education system is the key for building our nation’s future,” stated Peter Garrigan, President of the Australian Council of State Schools Organisations (ACSSO), in response to Minister Peter Garrett’s introduction of the Schools Assistance Amendment (Financial Assistance) Bill 2011 into the Parliament late last week … MS Word format | PDF format
28-02-11: Parents Await MySchool Launch
Parents across Australia await with anticipation the launch of the next phase of My School 2.0 when it goes live on Friday March 4. Peter Garrigan, President of the Australian Council of State School Organizations (ACSSO), said today, “We are pleased to see efforts made to date to ensure greater school transparency and richer data provided on the MySchool website” … MS Word format | PDF format
11-02-11: Students and Families require expert support
The Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO) congratulates the Minister for Education, Early Childhood and Youth for partnering with the Queensland government in funding teacher resource replacement grants for flood or storm damaged school equipment. ” … MS Word format | PDF format
09-02-11: Parents want assurance of ongoing professional support for teaching standards
The Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO) supports the introduction of National Professional Standards for teachers. This was the view today of the President of the Australian Council of State School Organisation, Peter Garrigan; “Parents across Australia believe the key to a quality public education system is highly educated and highly motivated teachers” … MS Word format | PDF format
13-09-10: Government declared, Education back on the Agenda
Australian Council of State Schools Organisations (ACSSO) is relieved that the issue of the hung Parliament in Australia has finally been resolved. Peter Garrigan, President of ACSSO, welcomes the opportunity to establish links between the newly elected Federal government. “I look forward to establishing a strong partnership with the newly appointed Minister for Schools Peter Garrett and Minister for Jobs, Skills and Workplace Relations Chris Evans” said Mr Garrigan. “It is paramount that there is open communication between all of the key stakeholders in Education” … MS Word format | PDF format
21-07-10: Coalition’s Skewed Scattergun Shot at Education Tax Break Misses Mark
Peter Garrigan, National President of the Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO), today noted that the title of the Coalition’s release, “Real action to help families meet school costs” is as misleading as the contents and proposals are misdirected and ill-conceived. “For a start this grab-bag of proposals will self-evidently do little or nothing to provide a much needed helping hand to those families who through no fault of their own are doing it very tough in their efforts to provide their children with the education opportunities that every child deserves,” Peter noted … MS Word format | PDF format
20-07-10: Proposed National Trade Cadetships Build Australia’s Skills for the 21st Century
“Peter Garrigan, national president of the Australian Council of State School Organisations, today greeted the proposal by Julia Gillard to establish a program of national trade cadetships as an important and valuable further contribution to building our nation’s skills to meet the needs of our forward development and prosperity in the 21st Century” … MS Word format | PDF format
13-07-10: Australia’s public school parents applaud Prime Minister’s extension of education tax break for families doing it tough
“ACSSO National President Peter Garrigan confirmed today that the parents of the some 2.4 million young people attending Australia’s public primary and secondary schools have put their full support behind Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s pledge to extend the education tax break in ways that will provide significant and much-needed assistance to those families doing it tough, in their efforts to provide their children with the best possible educational opportunities” … MS Word format | PDF format
18-06-10: Parents applaud Minister’s Working Party to advise on My School Website
“ACSSO’s national President, Peter Garrigan, congratulated Education Minister Gillard on the establishment of a Working Party to advise on how the My School website can be developed further to promote school improvement and enhance the educational performance of every student” … MS Word format | PDF format
18-03-10: Parents Applaud Rudd Government’s School Infrastructure Initiative
“The Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO) met last weekend in Canberra. During their meeting they also participated in interactive sessions with the Australian Parents Council and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) which covered the current educational issues including Indigenous Education, Early Childhood, the Australian Curriculum and the Low SES national Partnership initiatives” … MS Word format | PDF format
11-10-09: National Education Conference 2009
“The Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO) and the Australian Parents Council (APC) are proud to present a truly National Education Conference to consider and explore issues bearing on the effective learning and positive personal development of young people in school communities in all parts of Australia” … MS Word format | PDF format
03-02-09: Parents Applaud Rudd Government’s School Infrastructure Initiative
“The best investment any government can make towards our future prosperity is to invest in the education of all our young people,” said ACSSO President Steve Carter, responding to the Rudd Governments $14.7 billion infrastructure program. “That is the leverage point for nation building” … MS Word format | PDF format
22-10-08: Australia’s Hard Working School Parents Recognised in National Awards – State Winners Announced
Dedicated school parents across the nation have been recognised by judges including Federal Minister for Education and Deputy Prime Minister The Hon. Julia Gillard MP in this years The Australian Womens Weekly Paradise Foods P&C Awards, with a list of state winners and runner-ups released on 22 October … MS Word format | PDF format
13-10-08: Parents Endorse Plan for National Education Authority
ACSSO is delighted to support the establishment of the National Education Authority to bring together responsibility for curriculum, testing and reporting at the national level … MS Word format | PDF format
14-05-08: Parents Back Budget
Australias peak council for parent and citizen groups has backed the education budget, describing it as a thoughtful plan that addressed key issues without heating up the economy … MS Word format | PDF format
18-02-08: Parents Excited by Labor’s Momentous Family Bureau Decision
Parent organisations have praised Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s announcement that Labor will fund a dedicated Bureau to build closer ties between parents and schools across the country … MS Word format | PDF format
01-11-07: Big Take-Up of Summer Schools Impresses Parents
The national public schools parent body is impressed by the large number of teachers who have applied for places at the Federal Government’s Summer Schools training in January … MS Word format | PDF format
21-10-07: Parents Welcome Computer Policy from Labor
The peak council for Australias public school parents has endorsed Kevin Rudds tax break for computers and other school equipment … MS Word format | PDF format
29-09-07: Parents Wary About Test Results and Ranking of Schools
ACSSO has voiced its opposition to publicly ranking schools according to their national literacy and numeracy test results … MS Word format | PDF format
21-09-07: Parents Welcome Moves on Safety for School Buses
ACSSO has welcomed the Federal Government’s $40 million initiative to provide seat-belts on school buses in country areas … MS Word format | PDF format
30-08-07: ACSSO Supports Primary Teachers Vital Role Says President and Executive Director
In a major statement today, the President and Executive Director of ACSSO called for more support for primary school teachers … MS Word format | PDF format
27-07-07: National Parents Body Praises Sheedy
In a unique tribute, the peak parents and citizen council for Australias public schools has paid tribute to sacked Essendon Football Club coach Kevin Sheedy … MS Word format | PDF format
12-07-07: Languages Education: A Time to Speak – and a Time to Act
“Learning a language in Australia should be like learning Maths or English”, said one teacher respondent to a national Research Survey conducted by the peak parent organisations in late 2006. “It is a normal part of the curriculum in which every student should participate. It is part of an education for life!” … MS Word format | PDF format
3-07-07: Time to get serious about rebuilding Australias language capability
After a dismal decade characterised by lack of political will or purpose, by indifference, procrastination and neglect at too many levels, the need for sustained transformative action across the country in languages education cannot be further ignored … MS Word format | PDF format
7-06-07: Languages Education: Shortchanging our Families – and our National Future
ACSSO is in full agreement with those commentators who have described the crisis in languages education in Australia as an international embarrassment and national disgrace … MS Word format | PDF format
21-02-07: Parents Praise Extra Funding for Public Schools
ACSSO has praised the Australian Government for adding an extra $181 million to the $700 million already spent under the Investing in Our Schools programme … MS Word format | PDF format
24-01-07: Parents Welcome Rudd’s Education Revolution
Australias peak public school parents body, ACSSO, has praised Labor leader Kevin Rudds decision to make education a key issue for the coming Federal election … MS Word format | PDF format
16-11-06: Parents Praise Bracks Promise on Early Childhood Centres
ACSSO has praised Victorian Premier Steve Bracks’ election promise that all new school sites would make provision for early childhood learning centres … read more
09-11-06: Peak Public Schools Parent Body Wants Funding Scheme Renewed
After two years of operation, the Investing in Our Schools programme adds an extra $700 million capital funding to public schools over a four year period: but it is due to run out next year … read more
28-06-05: Principals and Parents Call For Better Deal for Primary Schools
Australias key parent and primary principals bodies have described primary education as the Cinderella of the education system … read more
11-04-05: ACSSO Calls for National Home Reading Campaign
Australias public school parents have called for a national home reading campaign to promote literacy and love of reading amongst young people … read more
07-10-04: Parents Must Look at Our Website Says Public Schools President
Australias peak public school parents body says all parents should examine the website which sets out the key education policies of all political parties … read more
28-09-04: Parents Support Coalition Funding Promise But Fear Duplication
ACSSO has praised the Coalition’s promise to provide more capital funding to Australia’s schools and supports the opportunity for greater parent involvement in the decision making process related to building programs … read more
16-09-04: Parents Applaud Labors Schools Plan
ACSSO applauds Labors schools funding announcement launched today. ACSSO President Judith Bundy says the package is a vote of confidence in the public system … read more
16-08-04: Public School Parents Support Senate Committee
ACSSO has praised the latest report by the Senate Employment Workplace Relations and Education References Committee on Commonwealth funding for schools, tabled in Parliament last week …read more
12-05-04: Long Term Funding Needed
ACSSO says Federal Government funding is still weighted against public schools which educate nearly 70% of Australian students. ACSSO President Judith Bundy today called for all political parties to plan for education well beyond the coming election, including in their programs a plan to lift funds to public schools … read more
07-05-04: Looking For Education Improvements in Federal Budget
ACSSO is looking for major improvements in next Tuesdays Federal Budget (11/05/04). ACSSO President Judith Bundy said, “The parents of Australia want better education services rather then minor tax cuts”. Specifically ACSSO has nominated six key areas where the budget needs to make extra provision … read more
11-03-04: Federal Funding to State Schools Gets Worse
State schools have received less than private schools as a result of the Federal Government’s guidelines released today by Education Minister Brendan Nelson. values. ACSSO, the national peak body representing parents in government schools and their school communities, has expressed its disappointment … read more
20-01-04: Prime Minister’s New Values Undermine Government Schools
“Parents of the 70% of students who go to government schools will be appalled to know that the Prime Minister thinks public schools do not teach traditional values. He is totally wrong!” said ACSSO President Judith Bundy in response to the Prime Ministers recent comments … read more
13-10-03: Leadership Challenge on Fairer Schools Funding
Government school parents have welcomed the announcement of WAs Education and Training Minister, Alan Carpenter, to keep funding for the richest WA private schools at 2003 levels. Judith Bundy, president of the Australian Council of State School Organisations congratulated the Minister … read more
08-07-03: Parents Expect More from Education Ministers
This weeks meeting of Australias nine education ministers in Perth provides a rare opportunity to establish a nationally co-ordinated approach to many of the major issues in Australian education. Of particular interest to parents is the issue of equitable school funding… read more
26-05-03: Federal Education Budget: the Real Story
ACSSO President Judith Bundy commented today that the same pattern is being repeated by Federal Education Minister Nelson as has occurred in previous years. The pattern goes like this: A budget increase for schools is announced, with the increase for government schools made explicit. The increase for non-government schools is not mentioned … read more
30-04-03: Public Education: It’s Really a Matter of Priorities
As the 2003/04 Budget approaches, the organisation representing the parents of the 70% of children who attend government schools seeks assurance that the Federal Government will give serious consideration to the needs of public schools and the students who attend them … read more
27-03-03: Student Protests Need a Rational Response
ACSSO President Judith Bundy expressed concern at yesterdays student protests, some of which were marked by violence and involved young people of primary school age. The violent actions shown at yesterdays demonstration are a timely warning however, that peaceful student protests may be manipulated by others with a more subversive intent … read more
03-03-03: Education Dollars to Fund War?
ACSSO President Judith Bundy today expressed concern that the upcoming Federal Budget will contain substantial cuts to education funding as a result of war with Iraq. Already the Treasurer has made some predictions as to the cost of this conflict, and it would appear that the essential services of education and health will be the first front-line casualties … read more
30-01-03: Public Education: Key to Australia’s Security
ACSSO President Judith Bundy reflected today on the new school year starting at a time when national and world security matters dominate the political agenda. However she cautioned that any nation that sidelines education for even the briefest period, is guilty of short-changing its youth and its own future … read more
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