Labour in government would stop the regulatory review of the education system which is being pushed by National Party idealogues, associate education spokesperson Steve Maharey said today.

Steve Maharey said the document released today takes the school system further away from government responsibility for ensuring quality and standards.

"Basically, if government education policy continues on its present course we won't have a public education system worthy of the name. This review looks like the final nails in the coffin are being prepared by National.

"Labour believes that government has a major role to play to ensure a top quality, nationwide public education system. The models being proposed by National would increase the trend towards 'winner' and 'loser' schools and allow the Government to shirk its reponsibilities.

"Labour in government will not support the trial planned for next year for the self management of school property.

"Like the bulk funding of teacher salaries, the voluntary nature of such a trial will see only schools that stand to gain from the experience taking part. National would then pronounce it a success, tip the scales in favour of schools prepared to switch over to such a system, and then whip the carpet away from beneath them," Steve Maharey said.

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