Katherine Rich MP
National Party Education Spokeswoman

18 October 2007

Ministry of Education’s payroll increases by over 150% in five years

Questions need to be asked over Ministry of Education figures that show a 150% rise in its payroll at a time when schools are struggling to make ends meet and some are cutting back on learning resources for children, says National’s Education spokeswoman, Katherine Rich.

“In the last five years, Ministry staff numbers rose by 16%, or 450 people, but salaries increased 150% during that time. 

“It's an indefensible increase that will annoy parents as well as hardworking teachers who are due to get a 4% rise soon.

“The payroll at the Ministry of Education has jumped $94 million since 2002. Imagine what schools could have done with that money if it had been spent in the classroom.

“There has also been a trebling in the number of staff earning over $100,000 a year.

“Let's put this increase in perspective. In 2006 there were 105 schools with an operating deficit of more than $100,000, up from 69 in 2005. Ironically, there are now 119 Ministry staff members earning salaries over $100,000, a threefold increase compared to 2002.

“I want to hear the Minister explain how this dramatic surge in bureaucrats’ salaries has made a difference to schools and children.”

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