NO.062

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT

The Hon Peter Costello Treasurer

The Hon Julie Bishop Minister for Education, Science and Training

NEW INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS REPORT

The Treasurer today launched a new report on Australia’s independent school sector.

Launching the report on behalf of the Minister for Education, Science and Training, Julie Bishop, the Treasurer said the Independent Schooling in Australia 2006-08 study by the Independent Schools Council of Australia provided a comprehensive overview of the sector.

This study highlights a range of achievements and the important contribution independent schools are making to the Australian community.

It shows there has been a significant increase in students enrolled at independent school, from 9.7% of the total student population in 1996 to 12.8% in 2005.

As the independent schools sector in Australia continues to grow, it is important that we acknowledge the importance of parental choice, and the achievements of independent schools in providing a quality education to Australian students.

The Australian Government welcomes the willingness of parents to invest in the education of their children. Parents at all income levels should have a realistic capacity to choose their child’s school, consistent with their own values and the values they seek to encourage in their children.

The Independent Schools Council of Australia is to be congratulated for this study and for the close working relationship the organisation has with the Australian Government through its liaison and consultation with the Department of Education, Science and Training.

CANBERRA

21 June 2006

Contact: Renae Stoikos Treasurer’s Office 02 6277 7340

Murray Hansen Minister Bishop’s Office 02 6277 7460