A strong and vibrant public education system contributes to the future of our children and it is imperative South Australia’s Marshall Liberal Government carefully consider their position on the matter of teachers’ wages and conditions, said Member for Frome Geoff Brock MP.

“I support the Australian Education Union’s decision to continue industrial action for their wages and conditions,” Mr Brock said.

A large gathering AEU members met with Mr Brock on Monday, representing schools and preschools in the Frome electorate.

They presented Mr Brock with a letter expressing their frustration with what they said was a lack of respect by the Marshall State Government to South Australian public educators in Enterprise agreement negotiations.

AEU members said a strong and vibrant Public Education system was the responsibility of government, yet the State Government was failing to fulfil its obligation to invest in public education, address spiralling workloads and the increasingly complex challenges faced in the classroom.

“The days of goodwill are over. We have lost confidence in the Treasurer’s capacity to assist in the resolution of this dispute and call upon your influence to impress upon the Minister for Education and the Premer the need for their intervention and negotiate an agreement that recognises the vital role we play, not only in the education of South Australian students, but also in the social and economic success of South Australia,” they wrote.

Mr Brock said he was 100 per cent behind their cause and understood the vital role of all teachers in the education and future of our children.

Mr Brock urges the Treasurer Rob Lucas and Minister for Education John Gardner as well as Premier Steven Marshall to reconsider their current decision and continue with thoughtful and considered negotiations with this very important sector which is so vital to our youth and their future.

“I am in awe of the work carried out by our committed educators. I have seen firsthand the difference a caring and committed teacher can make for their students and have watched my grandchildren blossom and thrive while attending local Port Pirie schools,” Mr Brock said.

“Education is the cornerstone of society and teachers deserve to be valued and supported.”

The SA Branch of the Australian Education Union will be rallying Statewide on 26 October in various locations, including Port Pirie at 4pm.