Labor has failed to get the basics right. Our children are missing out on the foundation of a good education and Queensland's literacy and numeracy results are ranked last or near last of all states across all year levels.

In addition, as schools are treated as nothing more than branch offices of a central bureaucracy by the Bligh Labor Government Principals have lacked the ability to enforce high behaviour standards. As a result parents are voting

with their feet and a record proportion of our children now attend non-government schools.

For years, schools have been forced to spend their budgets in accordance with a 'one size fits all' approach.

Staff appointments are forced on schools by a central bureaucracy even if staff may not be suited to the individual needs of the school.

An LNP Government will allow around 120 State schools to opt to become Independent Public Schools over the next four years, with 30 State schools transitioning each year.

The Independent Public Schools initiative will give Queensland Principals, schools and local communities greater control and ownership of their school as well as greater autonomy in decision making, such as hiring teachers and managing their school budget.

This initiative is modelled on Western Australian and international successes, and will build on the recently announced Federal support.

Transition to become an Independent Public School will be voluntary and selected State schools will represent a balanced cross section of the entire state of Queensland.

Participating schools will receive up to $50,000 as a transitional grant to assist in the change. In addition, Independent Public Schools will be eligible to receive up to a further $50,000 in funding each year for administrative purposes.

The LNP is committed to revitalising our front line services and getting the basics right.

Only a change of Government can deliver a focus on growing our economy, so we can afford to give our children the foundation of a good education. With your help, we'll get Queensland Back on Track.

LNP Policy Commitments:
• Independent Public Schools rolled out to around 120 State Schools who choose to participate.
• Provide greater decision making and control to Principals and local school communities to give our children a better education.