The independent and much heralded Gonski report, recommended to bring all schools up to a “minimum resource standard”, or MRS. This would enable schools to access the tools necessary to effectively teach and provide the best opportunities for their students.

The federal government was to provide 65 per cent of the funding over six years while the states would provide the remaining 35 per cent. However, under the new Turnbull funding model, private schools will be funded by the Commonwealth at 80 per cent of the MRS, but public schools would only receive 20 per cent. As a result, 87 per cent of public schools will still be well below the recommended level while incredibly, 65 per cent of independent schools will be funded above the resource standard.

It is important to understand that this government will over the next 10 years, rip out $17 billion from education. Ironically that's the same amount that will be delivered to the big four banks via the proposed tax cuts. In the next two years $2.2 billion will be cut from the education budget with a whopping disproportionate $1.9 billion coming from public schools. This is a disgrace and shows this government's disdain for public education whose schools cater for Australia's poorest and most marginalised students. It also demonstrates their unwaivering support for our already over resourced elite private schools. How is this even remotely fair and equitable? 

Why should the educational opportunities for our children depend on the size of their parent's wallet rather than their ability and hard work. It is ideaologically driven and fails to recognise that all of Australia benefits economically and socially when every student, not just those who can afford it, can access high quality education.

It's time for this government to recognise and fully support the work done by our dedicated teachers and students in the thousands of public schools around the country.

I am not a fan of the member for Farrer, Sussan Ley, nor of the shambolic and disgraceful Coalition government of which she is part. However, I watched as she presented her private members bill on the live sheep export trade to parliament and the subsequent press conference.

On this issue she gained my respect and admiration for the manner in which she conducted herself.

Ms Ley’s prosecution of her case was reasoned, rational and heartfelt. She supported her case and countered every argument that might be put, by providing facts and figures – not half truths and lies, as is so often the case with our politicians.

During her press conference she and her two colleagues actually answered the questions put to them. She avoided the inane slogans and point scoring that poison political discourse these days. If she cannot win over her colleagues with her presentation then I will be even more depressed and disillusioned with the state of Australian politics than I am at present. If our politicians want a case study on how to conduct themselves and win over the voters on an issue then look no further.