WA government backflips on education cuts

The McGowan government has backed down on its controversial plan to close Schools of the Air (SOTA), that provides distance education to children based in remote Western Australia. 

Today’s backflip follows a frenzied, month long campaign by country parents and school children who claimed to be unfairly targeted in a bid to save money.

Premier Mark McGowan and Education Minister Sue Ellery apologised to the community admitting the cuts had “gone too far” and had “caused distress”.

Ms Ellery admitted she made the wrong decision and says the government will now look elsewhere to find savings.

Along with SOTA, Ms Ellery has changed her mind about pulling funding for Gifted and Talented programs across Perth.

Intake into the Level 3 classroom teacher program will no longer be put on hold and accommodation at Northam Residential College will remain open.

The backflip leaves a $23 million hole in projected savings which will the government will now seek from across other departments.

Mr McGowan said he has full confidence in the Education Minister despite her second major backflip since taking office. 

Ms Ellery also broke an election promise not to move Perth Modern to a city high rise after angry parents staged a public protest.