The Northern Tablelands MP jumped the Gonski campaign’s defence after the Gonski bus visited Armidale on Monday.

“As a State National Party MP, I wholeheartedly and proudly support the campaign, just as I support Gonski and the needs-based funding model,” he said.

“This issue should be above petty partisan politics, it should only be about what is best for our next generation and their education.”

Fifty Nine public schools in the Northern Tablelands have received an additional $12 million in recurrent funding in the first three years of Gonski.

“There is no doubt in my mind of the benefits it is having in our schools and classrooms every single day,” he said.

“I have and will continue to pressure the Federal Government to honour the commitment made by the Commonwealth to Gonski.

“The NSW Government signed a six-year agreement … with the Commonwealth.”

In NSW public schools, Gonski funds are allocated by the NSW Department of Education’s Resource Allocation Model and the funds are budgeted to specific projects each year in consultation with the P&C, Aboriginal community representatives and teachers who design and deliver the year’s learning programs.

“We’re already seeing an improvement in student learning outcomes as the Gonski funds begin to level the playing field between country schools like ours, and big-name schools in the city,” Glen Innes Teachers Association President Alok Pisharody said.

“More parents and community members are seeing the difference that Gonski funds can make in a school, as Gonski has enabled advanced learning programs, additional learning support such as aides and tutors, and unique educational experiences like field trips and excursions that would otherwise be unaffordable,” he said.

“However, two-thirds of the planned Gonski reforms are at risk, as the Federal government has not yet committed to delivering Gonski in full.”