Rudd Government must guarantee local schools are not out of pocket for extra laptop expenses

June 12, 2008

The Rudd Government must guarantee schools in the Cowper electorate which have received funding for new laptop computers have adequate infrastructure and training so they can use the computers.

The Nationals’ Federal Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker, said nine schools across Cowper have received an allocation of funding under the National Secondary School Computer Fund.

 

These schools include the Christian Community School in Coffs Harbour, Bowraville Central School, Kempsey High School, Macksville High School, Orara High School, Coffs Harbour High School, Woolgoolga High School and Macleay Vocational College.

 

“When Kevin Rudd announced his commitment to provide every student between Year 9 and 12 with a laptop computer, he did not allow for the infrastructure upgrades and installation costs.

 

“Many schools across the nation require extra re-wiring, power, software, security, installation and teacher training.

 

“What is now happening is the Rudd Government is turning up at a school, delivering computers in boxes and then leaving schools and parents to pick up all the extra costs.

 

“With state governments ruling out paying for the extra costs, some schools are faced with having to fundraise to make up for the shortfalls.

 

“School communities should not be forced to pay the price for a Rudd Government policy which was ill conceived, un-costed and solely focused on political spin.

 

“The Rudd Government must ensure that none of these schools are out of pocket.”

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