The Australian government, concerned over the continuing slippage in educational standards and teaching resources has commissioned a report into the situation by David Gonski a leading Sydney businessman. Published last week the report has been widely acclaimed as addressing the situation. The five billion dollar investment the report recommends probably has something to do with it. But although the recommendations may address the eductaional shortfall it has presented the government with an understandable nightmare.

The federal government has to find the cash and face a sceptical educational market where it recently faced  hostile state governments to introduce a national school curriculum. The extra cash is an almost irresistible draw to garner a demand that the cash is invested. Another tricky moment for the already stymied Labor government recovering after the spat between Rudd and Gillard.  more…