Opinion
10 February, 2026
OPINION - Council Must Not Be Involved In School Education Policy
Wingecarribee Shire Council posted on Facebook (9 February 2026) calling on schools to take part in its “Earth Flix In Schools” program.
Wingecarribee Shire Council posted on Facebook (9 February 2026) calling on schools to take part in its “Earth Flix In Schools” program.
The post proudly declared that the Council promoted screening about climate change had 900 students attend in September 2025. Council announced another screening this coming April, this time focusing on climate solutions by 8 students.
Schools were invited to nominate themselves to host a screening.
Indubitably, some Council staff believe this is a positive initiative. However, it raises an important question that deserves public discussion: why is Council involving itself in school education?
The duties of Councils are clearly set out in the Local Government Act 1993. Local councils exist to deliver in local infrastructure, specific services and community governance. These responsibilities are funded by ratepayers and DA contributions, as well as State and Federal grants.
There is nothing in the Local Government Act that gives Council the legal responsibility to involve itself in school curriculum. That responsibility rests with the State government.
Council involving itself with film screenings, especially on complex public policy issues, is beyond Council’s role. This is not about whether one agrees or disagrees with climate change. It is about Council going beyond its legal authority.
There is also the issue of neutrality. Local government represents people with a wide range of views. When Council promotes content to children on internationally complex and debatable issues, it risks taking a position, rather than being a provider of services.
Simply put, Council must stay focused on its core job. Good governance means knowing where responsibility begins and ends.
Council resources are limited. We are told that our roads cannot be fixed because of a $11 million deficit. Our sewerage treatment plants are in need of upgrading, but Council does not have the $100 million funding. Over the last 4 financial years, Council has accrued a Net Operating Result (excluding grants) deficit of $43.3 million.
Within this context, it is fair and reasonable to ask why staff time and public money is being used to promote educational screenings in schools, when this matter is adequately covered in the existing educational system.
Having launched itself into this initiative, Council should clearly explain why it believes such screenings fall within its role, how much it is costing, and why they take priority over other local matters.
Moreover, film screenings is a policy matter, not operational. Therefore, did Councillors approve this initiative? If not, why not?
Dr Raymond Khoury.
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