SCHOOLS FRUSTRATED BY GOVERNMENT RED TAPE

Repair and upgrading works at a dozen schools in the Benalla Electorate are being delayed by Bracks Government red tape and failure to promptly forward on Commonwealth grants made to the schools months ago.

Dr Bill Sykes the Nationals Member for Benalla said, “Over $600,000.00 in grants is outstanding, with the affected schools being: Benalla College $50,000.00, Benalla 31 $21,491.00, Broken Creek Primary School $26,993.00, Edi Upper Primary School $114,291.00, Eildon Primary School $60,319.00, Harrietville Primary School $9,400.00, Jamieson Primary School $46,909.00, Mansfield Secondary College $111,700.00, Myrtleford Secondary College $50,000.00, Tawonga Primary School $59,191.00, Thornton Primary School $48,103.00 and Winton Primary School $8,052.00.”

Dr Sykes continued, “Several of the schools have raised their concerns with me with Principals making statements such as:

“I am feeling the pressure! I gave the go ahead to the contractors and I am now feeling guilty because I can’t pay them for works completed. I was very keen to put the program into action because it involved a new playground structure and of course the kids are so excited about the project.”

and

“We are still waiting to receive the money we were granted. I faxed back the relevant paper work weeks ago and have not heard a word. I cannot organise contractors until the money arrives and at the rate we are going all the prices will have gone up and we won’t be able to afford the work.”

and

“…to date we still haven’t seen one cent. Because of this I haven’t started anything – despite wanting to... Some of the money was for new play equipment which I would have like installed in readiness for the new school year, however that won’t be happening.”

“One school has provided me with the most recent example of bureaucratic gobbledeygook specifying all of the steps which the schools must take to access the money which was granted to them months ago. It’s a disgrace. It’s yet another example of the Bracks Government’s absolute incompetence.”

Dr Sykes concluded, “I call upon the Bracks Government to immediately pass on the $600,000.00 of Commonwealth grants so that our schools can immediately commence important maintenance and upgrade works so that our school children can have a safe and enjoyment environment in which to learn.”

“As has been said often, the Bracks Government simply cannot manage - they wouldn’t even be able to run a chook raffle for the local football/netball club on a Saturday night.”

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989