Commenting on a story in today's Australian ("Public school funding short by $8.4 bn"), Dr Kaye said: "International education expert Adam Rorris has exposed the massive gap in spending on facilities between public and private schools.

"Acting Education Minister Hatzistergos can't sit on his hands and wait for a replacement. 

"He has to respond by securing an immediate substantial increase in the funding of public school buildings and facilities.

"In 2005, the Carr government spent $426 per student on capital investment in public schools. Private schools spent $1,492 per student.

"Years of neglect of the capital spending needs of public education combined with lavish state and federal funding of private schools has created a gap in the quality of facilities between public and private schools.

"The results are writ large in the difference between the luxurious buildings and grounds of private schools and too many run down public schools.

"Over the next 12 years, the NSW government will need to spend an additional $8.3 billion on public education to give them the same quality of facilities enjoyed by private school students and teachers.

"The Iemma government cannot turn its back on this problem.

"Mr Rorris has exposed the massive unfairness in the spending on school facilities.

"The Greens call on Mr Hatzistergos to immediately begin the process of securing an $8.4 billion budget boost for new and upgraded buildings and facilities in public schools," Dr Kaye said.

For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455