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Australian education plan condemned

By Ali Harris

A federal takeover in Australian schools has been condemned by state officials, parents, teachers, opposition party and independent education organisations.

John Howard's government has proposed a national curriculum that will see all state schools adhering to the same modules. If the plan was to prevail, the Howard government would be in charge of what goes in to the curriculum.

Universal condemnation

NSW Premier Morris Iemma said NSW educational standards would depreciate if it was to adhere to a national curriculum. He questioned the "commonwealth government's" ability to run such a system.

Queensland Education Minister Rod Welford said "Making outlandish and extremist comments of this kind are not the way to improve the quality of education in this country."

Opposition leader, Kim Beazley, dismissed the plan as "extreme and ridiculous." He also questioned the ulterior motive, which he claims is underlying power.

The Australian Education Union called the proposal insulting and offensive.

The Independent Education Union (IEU) described Ms Bishop's (Howard's Education Minister's) speech as "political opportunism at its best." She then added, "Ms Bishop's approach is both confrontational and muddle-headed."

Government worried

The Australian government is very worried about the content and perspective of education being taught in Australian schools, especially in NSW.

Australian schools take a very anti-American, Pro-Palestine approach. They are taught through a "Marxist perspective" and Pro "communist China." Teachers have been accused on many occasions as being anti-Howard and now the Australian government wants to take action.

John Howard also alleged that the curriculums in state schools are taught through the perspective of a "feminist" and are too "post modern". His coalition party said parents have a "right to be concerned." On the contrary parents have long backed state ownership over curriculums and today have taken the stance with the IEU.