AEU Victoria launches state election ad campaign

The Australian Education Union Victorian branch is launching its state election advertising campaign today, calling for political parties to invest in public education.
 
“We are seeking a commitment of 1,600 additional teachers every year for public schools and a commitment to limit the public funding going to private training colleges and allocating 70% of funding to public TAFEs,” says Meredith Peace, president of AEU Victoria.
 
“We need a state government that supports public education and delivers the funding schools need so all students can thrive.
 
“Our members are hitting the streets in Frankston, Carrum, Mordialloc, Bentleigh, Rippon and Morwell to talk to voters about the need for more public school funding. 
 
“More teachers means more literacy and numeracy support, help for those students with learning difficulties and extension work for children and young people who need it. It also means teachers have more time to plan and prepare to support the learning of every student."
 
The ad highlight the AEU's campaign message: "Without enough teachers, every child misses out. Victorian students deserve more. More challenges, more direction, more support, 1,600 more teachers."
 
Meredith Peace says public education funding will decide the upcoming state election. "Recent polling shows 80% of Victorians think our schools need more resources so every student’s individual learning needs can be met in every classroom. 
 
“We’re campaigning in seats where education funding matters to voters and we are talking with them about which major party has the best track record and future commitments for investing in public schools, TAFEs and preschools. 
 
Already, Labor has announced a $5 billion commitment so every three-year-old can attend preschool for 15 hours per week.  
 
“We need to see further investment in TAFE. Victorian public TAFEs are being forced to compete with profit-driven private providers that all too often deliver substandard training."

The AEU is calling on all parties to expand the free TAFE courses announced by the Andrews government earlier this year, and guarantee at least 70% of skills funding for TAFEs.
 
“TAFE is the backbone of Victoria’s vocational education sector. It provides students with high quality education and the skills that produce job ready graduates," says Ms Peace.
 
The AEU’s advertising campaign will run in marginal seats commencing tomorrow through to election day in November and includes TV ads, billboards, cinema advertising, and social and digital media.
 
“Public education is critical to the future of our children and young people and critical for the economic future of our state. Political parties must respond to what the community wants and what our children need and invest in public education,” says Ms Peace.
 
MEDIA CONTACT: Jessica Kendall 0414 679 857