The Promise of Elections

“The ability to read, write, and analyse; the confidence to stand up and demand justice and equality; the qualifications and connections to get your foot in the door and take your seat at the table — all of that starts with education.”

Michelle Obama

Every election campaign brings with it funding commitments, reforms and smiling politicians. Perhaps it is a hint of anticipation, rather hope that what is said, is promised, will be delivered.

The 2023 NSW State Election has the major parties dancing around some hard facts.
The Public Sector Wage cap and Award negotiations with the NSWTF and IEU are some of these hard facts.

Education and Health are significant issues with voters.

The Public Sector Wage Cap will be increased to 3%, after the election. Unions NSW “Essential Workers Deserve Better” compliments the “More Than Thanks” and “Hear Our Voice” NSWTF/IEU campaigns.

Another election fact?

School leaders and teachers are working in schools while the election campaign heats up.

How many funding commitments to education will stick after March 25?

Some of the initiatives and trails announced to reduce teacher workload including 200 new administration roles were trailed in Term 4, 2022 and seem to have fallen into the bucket of political slogans and blithe media releases. While more administrative positions and new classroom positions have been created to commence in 2023, it is unclear how these measures will address the shortage of teachers, and improve salary, and workload concerns. The NSW government $14 million “Recruitment Beyond” program, announced in 2021, has only attracted 11 teachers at this time

Sydney J. Harris quipped that “the purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.”
The failure of government to fully fund and resource education should be above politics.