Dr Dan White

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The country's new leadership must ensure that every student will have the necessary tools to be equipped for life, says Dr Dan White, executive director of Catholic schools in the Sydney archdiocese.

Dr White told The Catholic Weekly: "While there remains some way to go before we know which of the two parties will govern, I am looking forward to working constructively with the next government of this country to ensure that students in Catholic schools, like students in State and independent schools, get the very best educational opportunities possible".

The paper cited a Sydney Morning Herald report that the Coalition plans to cut a further $1.5 billion from the Federal education budget, including programs to help the poorest students succeed at school and enter university, and reduce funding for apprenticeship programs.

Dr White said he was particularly keen to ensure that funding continues for for existing programs to "which we are already deeply committed and are really making a difference - such as the National Partnerships and Trade Training Centres."

"While there are some differences in the education policies of the two parties, it is essential that education remains a high priority for both," he said.

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