Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Howard pumps up Sydney's private schools

The Howard government pumped more than $30 million in funding last year into 60 NSW private schools and many of these are in marginal seats, it has been reported.

News Limited said documents obtained under Freedom of Information (FoI) laws showed Prime Minister John Howard had embarked on a grant handout spree ahead of this year's election.

"Many of the schools, which include low-fee independent and religious colleges, are situated in seats that could determine the outcome of the election later this year," the report reads.

It also said the money was handed out "despite NSW public schools having a $112 million maintenance backlog".

The FoI documents show $31,981,475 was paid to the schools in grants last year.

In one example, Catholic school Xavier College at Penrith received $2.3 million for a building program.

The FOI documents also show the taxpayer grants for private and independent schools across the country total $489 million over four years.


©AAP 2007

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