CLP Backs Striking Teachers Pay Claims

Last week's 3.9% annual inflation figure for Darwin has highlighted just how inadequate the Labor Government's pay offer to Territory teachers actually is, says the Opposition.

An inflation rate of 3.9% over 3 years would see the cost of living rise by 11.7% compared to the 11% pay rise on offer from the Government.

"Should a 3.9% inflation rate hold for the period of the Government's offer then teachers would suffer a pay cut in real terms,” says Terry Mills, Leader of the Opposition.

"With numerous respected economic commentators forecasting a period of sustained high inflation in Australia, there's every possibility that Darwin's inflation rate may rise in the medium term.

"I'm concerned that the Government's refusal to face the basic facts will result in further industrial action by teachers.

"Students are the ultimate losers from the Government's determination to stick to its inadequate pay offer.

"I urge the Government to rethink its position in the light of the latest inflation figures and put a more realistic offer on the table. Our education system is already performing well below the national benchmarks.

"The prospect of an effective pay cut won't make recruiting interstate teachers any easier, particularly as Darwin already has the most expensive rent, petrol and groceries amongst the capital cities.

"I'm informed the Government is short of money for education because it has bungled the budget of its education reforms.

"The fact the Labor Government hasn't done its sums right is no excuse for forcing teachers to accept an inadequate pay offer. This pay dispute underscores the fact that the Labor Government's talk about having education as a high priority is more rhetoric that reality.

"It is hypocritical of the Labor Government to plead poor with teachers when it has enjoyed a massive revenue surge over the past 5 years.

"The Opposition believes that to improve the Territory's poor education outcomes we need to recruit the best and brightest teachers in the land. To attract the best we need to pay the best rates.”

2008-04-27