Member for Lane Cove Anthony Roberts MP, today said the start today of Education Week 2008 was an opportunity to celebrate the values, traditions and achievements of public education in NSW.

“Education week is the ideal chance for the whole community to focus on the achievements of teachers, parents and students,” Mr Roberts said.

“Schools across NSW are hosting events and activities as part of this year’s Education Week and I encourage everyone to visit their local school and celebrate our world-class public education system.”

Mr Roberts said that vital school maintenance must be a renewed priority for the NSW Government in Education Week. The school maintenance backlog stands at around $80 million.

“I would call on the State Government to use this week as an opportunity to make school maintenance a real priority in NSW schools,” Mr Roberts said.

“Our public schools would really benefit from an injection of funds in the State budget announced next week.

“We have a public education system to be proud of but too many schools are struggling without funds for basic school maintenance and infrastructure.

“It’s vital that the Iemma Government gets funds through to principals at the frontline to get our schools fixed up.

“The NSW Liberal/Nationals believe in a strong public education system and this is why we will continue to fight for maintenance and infrastructure in our schools.”