Allan Peachey MP
National Party Associate Education Spokesman

20 August 2006

Flat Bush: Maharey should listen to parents

It’s time the Education Minister started listening to Flat Bush parents and reopened public consultation on what form public schooling should take in their community, says National Party Associate Education spokesman Allan Peachey.

Flat Bush residents have, in a series of public meetings, voted against the Government’s proposed school structure for the area, but Education Minister Steve Maharey has confirmed that the Government will press ahead with its plans.

Mr Peachey says there has been no genuine consultation.

“All the Minister has done is impose a pet project on the community – totally over-riding the wishes of parents and families, who are those most affected by the plan.

“Past experience has shown that when a community is not satisfied with its local schools, many parents turn their backs on them and seek alternatives for their children’s education.

“Flat Bush will be no different.

“It’s time for Mr Maharey to stop assuming that he knows best and start listening to the parents of Flat Bush, who know better than he does what their children need,” says Mr Peachey.

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