by Cheryl Lacey, ©2021
(Jul. 6, 2021) — Parents and families continue to be hamstrung by inefficiencies and a lack of accountability in Australian schools. Despite annual spending in the billions, on buildings, curriculum reviews and research, to teacher wellbeing programs, additional tutors and computers, problems faced by parents and their children either remain the same or worsen. No amount of funding, election promises, strike action or additional legislation will make a difference. In fact, things will only get worse.
Incompetent and selfish elected representatives, a swinging door approach to education portfolios and power play by unions keeps families squarely under State control via the school system.
The thought of any successful reform has been overwhelming.
However, despite the complexities of school education and its problems, there is one glaring omission that if introduced will be the game changer. Governance.
Currently, no government or union can represent school employees and families at the same time. To do so is a direct conflict of interest. An independent authority or Board of Education, to review and monitor school performance, including the reintroduction of School Inspectorates must take place.
Australian parents have the authority to do this. Parents have the right and responsibility to take control of their children’s education. The truth is, parents have always had this authority, they haven’t been taught how. That is, until now.
If you are a parent with children of compulsory school age, all you need to do is write a letter to your elected representative and to each of your State Senators, advising them of your desire for education reform. Most importantly, you don’t have to go into detail.
Here’s my letter below that I have just sent to Senator the Honourable Jane Hume. Use this as a guide.
Senator the Honourable Jane Hume
223 Bridge Rd
Richmond
VIC 3121
Dear Senator Hume,
I know that it is my duty to keep you informed of MY WILL on anything that comes before Parliament, or that should come before Parliament.
IT IS MY WILL that you take immediate action to introduce a Board of Education as an entity independent of government and reintroduce school inspectorates.
Yours faithfully,
Cheryl Lacey
(Insert your full name, address and date, as legal evidence that you are a constituent.)
That’s all you need to do. Plus, there’s nothing stopping you from suggesting grandparents, friends and workmates to do the same. Just as I’m sharing with you right now.
If you get a reply that side steps your issue, or you receive a standard reply from a member of staff that includes party politics and empty promises, write a reply. Here’s mine.
Senator the Honourable Jane Hume
223 Bridge Rd
Richmond
VIC 3121
Dear Senator Hume,
I repeat that, in accordance with my lawful obligation to keep you informed of MY WILL, I again inform you that it is MY WILL that you take immediate action to introduce a Board of Education independent of government and reintroduce school inspectorates.
Yours faithfully,
Cheryl Lacey
(insert your full name, address and date, as legal evidence that you are a constituent.)
That’s it.
Politicians aren’t used to receiving letters like these. They much prefer to have us think they’re listening to us via opinion polls. These letters have nothing to do with opinion. By stating your name and address clearly, and by signing your letter, you are advising your representatives of a direct request.
When politicians receive your letter, followed by letters from numerous other parents, grandparents, employers and so on, they will have no choice but to take action. They will have to take the issue of school education to parliament.
Australian parents have been hamstrung for far too long. Enough is enough.
So, make a start, get writing and have every voting adult you know to do the same.
Schools provide a service. Parents raise children. Writing a letter is every Australian’s right and responsibility. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
—
Cheryl Lacey DSJ
Director
Suite 252/189 Queen St
Melbourne Australia
t| +61 419 518 811
e| cheryl@cheryllacey.com
w| www.cheryllacey.com
New Publication
Marching Schools Forward: Discussions on the Direction of Australian Education (now available at Connor Court Publishing)