Statement from Education Minister

Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek has demanded Labor stop making false claims about school closures in Central Queensland.

Mr Langbroek said Labor’s Education Spokeswoman Yvette D’Ath was deliberately misleading families.

“It is utterly disgraceful of Labor to incite fear and create panic in the Central Queensland community just to score cheap political points,” Mr Langbroek said.

“I’ve made it clear that no more schools would be closed involuntarily during this term of government and there is no ongoing list of schools to be closed. 

“The Member for Redcliffe knows this and it is completely irresponsible for her to be scaremongering in such a deplorable manner.

“I call on Yvette D’ath to apologise for the unnecessary panic she is causing families in the Central Queensland community.  

“Let’s not forget that Ms D’ath’s Labor colleagues, including the Member for Rockhampton, let our schools fall into disrepair leaving behind a $300 million maintenance black hole,” he said.

“It was this same Labor government that closed around seven schools every year for 20 years during its time in power.

“The Newman Government has a strong plan for the future of schools in Queensland.

“The chaos and inexperience of Yvette D’ath and her Labor team can’t be trusted to deliver a quality education experience for our children.”  

[ENDS] 12 June 2014

Media Contact: Danita Goodwin 0439 886 652