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Single-student school to reap $140k grant: Opposition

Posted July 5, 2009 07:26:00
Updated July 5, 2009 07:58:00

The New South Wales Opposition has accused the Government of squandering its share of federal education stimulus funding, because of the rush to spend the money.

The Opposition says the Lagoon Public school in the state's central west will receive a $140,000 grant, despite having only one enrolment for next year.

The Opposition's education spokesman, Adrian Piccoli, says the stimulus money is a rare opportunity that is being squandered.

"We're seeing some quite obvious errors and that's costing hundreds of thousands of dollars if not millions of dollars," he said.

"Both Premier Nathan Rees and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd are in a hurry to spend this money before the federal election and before the next state election in New South Wales."

Mr Piccoli says there are similar stories emerging from other schools.

"We've seen hugely inflated quotes for new buildings and new libraries and new halls," he said.

"We're aware of vast amounts of money being given to brand new schools, so we've seen lots of examples where there's been waste and mismanagement by the New South Wales Government."

Tags: government-and-politics, states-and-territories, nsw, bathurst-2795

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