Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Mason, as you know, of the $42 billion in the forward estimates for the education system, some $32 billion will go to private schools. Let me be clear about this: if you want to engage in this argument, get your facts straight. What you will find is that these are issues that the Commonwealth and the states will be discussing and working through to ensure that the costs are properly attributed, particularly in regard to the operation of this program. It is not just about the provision of the hardware; it is also about the provision of software, the provision of teacher education and the provision of the facilities within schools. As I have already indicated to you, this is an ongoing process of discussion between the Commonwealth and the states.