Aside from how lucky you were in the parents lottery, the two things that most determine your life chances are your health and education outcomes. Of these, education is the one which can be readily improved for all kids. Across the Hunter, however, this simple truth is being ignored.
In 2009, the state premier, Labor's Nathan Rees, raised the school leaving age to 17. The aspiration for NSW kids was clear. "It will ultimately enhance their employment capacity," said the premier, "enhance their earning potential over the course of their employment, and set NSW up for the long term as the clever state."
