Candidates outlined the tangible benefits the initial Gonski money provided New England students, and described the initiatives further funding would enable schools to deliver. 

Greens candidate Mercurius Goldstein and Independent candidate Tony Windsor outlined their education platform, which included full funding of schools according to the level stipulated by the Gonski Review.

Statements were read from the Country Labor candidate, David Ewings and Independent candidate Rob Taber. 

Both supported the full Gonski funding agreement the Coalition government signed three years ago. 

NSW Teachers Federation (NSWTF) New England organiser Susan Armstead said attendees were left feeling ignored by incumbent member Barnaby Joyce.

“Barnaby Joyce not only chose not to attend, but did not provide any statement for the meeting to consider,” Ms Armstead said.

“Gonski funding has meant opportunities to better support students on their learning journey with access to specialist teachers, helping them become better readers, writers and mathematicians and increased the numbers of students supported with additional programs.”

Tony Windsor said Gonski education reforms will be a crucial issue in the federal election.

“Gonski education reforms will give our kids the start they need in life but Barnaby does not support needs based education funding,” Mr Windsor said 

“The Gonski education funding proposal will, if fully funded, provide a platform for a higher and fairer standard of education for everyone.”

NSWTF deputy president Gary Zadkovich reminded the forum it was a bipartisanship action in 2013 when a NSW Coalition government supported by state Labor and the state Greens signed up to the full Gonski.