PARENTS of children in Catholic schools in Brisbane hope to influence political debate on education funding in the lead up to state and federal elections.
The Brisbane Catholic Parents and Friends Association will hold three public meetings this week where politicians from the major parties will outline their policies and parents will have a chance to put their views.
Association chairman Russ Nelson has told school communities the meetings were being held in preparation for state and federal elections due before the end of 2004.
‘In both their (State and Federal Government) budgets this year there was no attempt to address our needs in any substantial way,’ Mr Nelson said.
‘In the meantime, the media continue to confuse the electorate by providing an image that every non-government school is an elite institution richly endowed with funds.
‘As you realise, the average Catholic school struggles to keep pace with that which is offered in the government sector.’
Meetings will be held at Brigidine College, Indooroopilly on October 20 at 7.30pm; St Dympna’s School, Aspley on October 21 at 7.30pm, and Clairvaux Mackillop College, Upper Mt Gravatt on October 22 at 7.30pm.
The line-up of politicians at each meeting will include Labor, Coalition, Democrat and Greens representatives.
Federation of Parents and Friends Associations of Queensland executive officer Paul Dickie said the federation encouraged associations to form political action committees in their own schools and to meet with political candidates.
