Federal Minister for School Education Peter Garrett has met with the NSW Minister for Education, Adrian Piccoli, in a bid to convince the State Government to reverse its $1.7 billion cuts to the education sector.

 

"These cuts will have a devastating impact on schools and TAFEs across NSW. They will place pressure on school fees and teaching positions in non-government schools, and reduce the support available to government schools," Mr Garrett said in a statement.

 

The two ministers reportedly agreed upon the need to roll out key recommendations of the Gonski Review, including the need for a new needs-based school funding system.

 

" I again made it clear that the Gillard Government is prepared to invest more in schools in response to the review, but states need to pay their fair share. We will not allow increased Commonwealth funding to be used as a substitute for reductions in state funding to schools," Mr Garrett said.

 

"I will continue to argue against these cuts as we hold further discussions with the NSW Government over school funding reform in the coming weeks."