The hot topic at the moment is certainly linked with the budget and its effect on education. Unfortunately, education came out as a big loser in this years budget announcement and although a significant amount is still being invested into the future of our children, critics, parents, and our teachers believe otherwise.

What does the budget mean for Education?

Education spending in NSW will be slashed by $1.7 billion with independent schools expected to share the pain with the public system.

Unfortunately, our very own minister, Christopher Pyne is receiving much negative attention, as even more unfortunate, is that much of his new found fame is not even linked to his role as Education Minister. However, Mr Pyne blames the decrease on education spending on the face that the “Australian Government will focus on the programs and projects the Coalition thinks are "more important", suggesting that education is simply not a priority area for Australians. Premier Barry O'Farrell supports this statement and has described the cuts as "difficult but necessary".

More disturbingly, the SMH has reported that the government sector would be expected to shed 600 staff in state and regional offices over four years - as part of a total cut of 1800 from the Department of Education.

A massive blow to education resides in tertiary education where universities and tertiary based institutions will be able to set their own fee structure commencing in 2016. This could potentially triple fees making it more difficult for future students to attain a university degree.

Universities would be able to charge a student contribution up to a maximum of $3,900 per equivalent full time student (EFTS) for high cost courses and $1,700 per EFTS for low cost courses.

• However, there is a silver lining for those students who are considering in completing a trade. From 1 July 2014, the Government will provide concessional Trade Support Loans of up to $20,000 over a four year apprenticeship for those learning a trade. It is well known that our youth who often enter trades rely on borrowing money from parents, family or friends to purchase their tools and pay for basic living expenses. In some cases, our youth will only gain an apprenticeship if they have a motor vehicle license and their own vehicle. This new loan will assist our 17 year olds to actively pursue a career in this line of work with minimal financial burden.

Tweetings

Twitter has been running overtime with nearly every Australian contributing their views on the budget:

Maralyn Parker ‏@MaralynParker  May 15

The Abbott Govt sees itself as the funder of all private schools with no obligation to public (state) schools at all #budget2014

Liberal Party ‏@LiberalAus  May 15

.@billshortenmp - No solutions. No policies. No leadership. #auspol #Budget2014

Australian Labor ‏@AustralianLabor  May 15

"We will never tell Australians that the quality of their education depends on their capacity to pay." @billshortenmp #auspol #Budget2014

RN Breakfast ‏@RNBreakfast  May 15

Christopher Pyne says he didn't pay anything for his law degree- but says increased fees won't deter current students #auspol #budget2014

SBS News ‏@SBSNews  May 14

Comment: Why #Budget2014 is bad for health and worse for society http://bit.ly/1nKRLTH  pic.twitter.com/SGZEESAaOG

Joe Hildebrand ‏@Joe_Hildebrand  May 13

BUDGET IN A NUTSHELL: There will be uni scholarships for disadvantaged kids but no Gonski funding to enable them to get there. #Budget2014

Australian Labor ‏@AustralianLabor  May 13

This budget is built on more than $80 billion in cuts to schools and hospitals. #auspol #Budget2014

Adam Bandt ‏@AdamBandt  May 13

Young? Bad luck. #ThreeWordBudget #Budget2014

Rhys Muldoon ‏@rhysam  May 15

Road to nowhere. #ThreeWordBudget

Jeanette ‏@__eclectica  May 13

#auspol #ThreeWordBudget You won’t believe what they’re slashing ... and spending ... in the Federal Budget 2014 http://www.couriermail.com.au/business/you-wont-believe-what-theyre-slashing-and-spending-in-the-federal-budget-2014/story-fnihpj8r-1226916439095 …

Federal Politics ‏@PoliticsFairfax  15h

'A budget built on lies': Shorten takes aim at Abbott, details opposition to key measures on Medicare and education http://bit.ly/1hNSGhb 

ACSSO ‏@ACSSOTWEETS  May 15

Education union blasts $245m budget funding for school chaplains http://fb.me/2nXQ27Njf 

Ben Duggan ‏@Ben_Duggan  May 14

So much for 'no cuts to education' nekminit $30bn cut to education http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/budget-2014/bn-curtain-on-gonskis-grand-vision/story-fnmbxsc8-1226916642588# … #edchat #education #AusEdu #Gonski #goneski

Herald Sun ‏@theheraldsun  May 13

"We want to build a country that values all levels of education." - Hockey http://nwspl.us/wMwbF  #Budget2014