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The NSW Government has refused the Royal Far West School and Stewart House funds as part of the federal government’s school program, said Manly MP Mike Baird, who has urged the Education Minister to show some heart.
“Cruelly, the Royal Far West School and Stewart House have been denied funds despite the fact both schools could really do with the money,” Mr Baird said.
“Yes the schools don’t have full-time students, but they are still schools that have educated some of the State’s most vulnerable students over the past 70 years.
“This morning I spoke with the Education Minister’s office to urge her to reconsider the decision.
“The response was positive with the Minister working to find a solution as we speak,” Mr Baird said.
“These schools should not miss out on funds on a technicality and I am hopeful that will not be the case.
“Royal Far West School helps students with very significant learning, emotional and behavioural difficulties. These are some of the most needy kids in NSW.
“Stewart House cares for almost 2,000 students every year who often come from desperate circumstances. It could very much do with an upgrade.
“Last December I shared with the Parliament the work of Stewart House, and the fact that for many years it has struggled to manage rising expenses,” Mr Baird said.
“There’s no doubt that Stewart House and the Royal Far West School deserve to receive the same funds provided to other schools throughout the country.”
Mr Baird said, if not resolved in the meantime, he would continue to pursue the issue in Parliament when it resumes in a fortnight.
“We should not have the situation where, in this so-called ‘Education Revolution’, schools that educate our most vulnerable students are cut out of the funding program.”
MEDIA: Lisa Harrington - 0406 726 880
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