
Issue No 108		24 August 2001

LaborNET	Ask Neale	Tool of the Week

News

Libs Dodge Public Education Forum

The organisers of a convention on public education are still waiting to hear whether anyone from the Howard Government will be prepared to front to defend their neglect of the system.

The NSW Teachers Federation is hosting the forum at the Sydney SuperDome on Saturday September 8. It has been funded by a special levy paid by rank and file members - aimed at raising public education as an election issue.

All major political parties have been invited to attend and outline their vision to the estimated 12,500 concerned parents and teachers. While Labor's Kim Beazley, Bob Brown form the Greens and the Democrats' Lyn Allison have all accepted, there's been no answer form the government.

The Teachers Federation's Barry Johnston says he understands the Prime Minister has flicked the invitation to Education Minister David Kemp who is "desperately looking for someone to unload it onto."

For more details of the all-day event contact Penny Gilmour on 9217 2197 or Jenny Diamond on 9217 2164 or check out the Teachers Fed's website at http://www.nswtf.org.au

Week of Recognition for School Staff

Meanwhile, the CPSU will this week launch a national campaign to "recognise" the role of school support staff and public education.

Next Monday the CPSU will launch a national campaign to "recognise" the role of school support staff and public education. This is the first of many annual celebrations.

The keynote speaker will be Ms Jennie George, the immediate past President of the ACTU and an ex-teacher.

David Carey, CPSU Secretary said, "This an occasion where we say loudly and clearly 'Enough is enough-- we will not stand idly by as public education is run down by under funding, outrageous Federal discrimination and while our members bear the toll' "

The CPSU has members employed as support staff in public schools across Australia. The colourful campaign material, posters, stickers and brochures reflect the diversity of roles.

Support staff in schools undertake much more than the administrative functions involved in running the equivalent of a fair sized business. They provide library assistance, prepare the laboratories, assist with the learning of children with disabilities, maintain the premises and help bridge the culture gap with disadvantaged Aboriginal children.

Too often the public gaze is focused on teachers instead of the equally valuable role played by non-teaching staff.

Campaign activities will take place across Australia. In each State the activities will vary to suit the circumstances of the participants.

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Issue 108 contents

Interview: The Man from Manusafe
Manusafe chief Andrew Whiley explains why employers have nothing to fear from the entitlements trust fund.

E-Change: 2.4 The Skeptic�s Response
In this round-table discussion, Noel Hester leads the charge against the argument that globalisation and change are inevitable.

Politics: No Hand Idle
Whitlam Institute director Peter Botsman finds much to agree with in John Howard's social coalition for welfare delivery.

Unions: Slavery and Struggle
A battle with all the elements of the infamous waterfront dispute is being played out in Charleston, South Carolina:

International: Postcard from Santiago
The CFMEU's Phil Davey meets up with Communist Party cadres in Chile who led the underground resistance to Pinochet.

History: Race and Australian Labour.
Australian unionists have long been questioning notions of a �White Australia�, even before the colonies united with it as the central feature.

Economics: Global Regulation
Public sector unions from around the globe are taking the first steps to work internationally against the deregulation agenda.

Satire: Niche Identified in Left-Wing Publications Market
A marxist-feminist activist has discovered a gaping hole in the lucrative left-wing publications market.

Review: The Fight for Equal Pay
In this extract from her new book, Zelda D'Aprano looks at the contribution Kath Williams made to the struggle for equality.

» Entitlements Just Tip of the Iceberg

» State-Wide Push for Entitlement Protection

» Support Builds for Industrial Manslaughter Laws

» Organiser Assaulted � Police Called In

» Young Casuals Not Paid Overtime

» Commonwealth Hit With Criminal Conviction

» Back Door Bob Does Wollongong

» ABC IR Memo Draws More Fire

» Unions Warn of More Deaths in Construction

» Big Brother Hits Rail Workers

» Libs Dodge Public Education Forum

» Westfield Squeezes The Extra Dollar

» MP's Staffers Fume Over Pay Deal

» Mat Leave Win for Country Energy

» No Wonder Wonderland Workers Unhappy

» Qld's First Major Review of Awards

» Unions Buck Online Ambush

» Bras Burned for Burma

» Two Capps To Cancel Debt

» Australians Work Too Much, Too Long

» Activists Notebook