OUR federal MP Andrew Laming got plenty of airtime last week. It came about after he wrote an opinion piece and submitted it to newspapers. It was published as an article by Fairfax Media under the headline “Teachers need fewer holidays, more hours: Coalition MP Andrew Laming”.
Outrage erupted and as it simmered Laming did the media circuit. Along the way he offered what he called “sincere thanks” for a run on teaching reform, which he said was due mostly to misrepresenting his argument in the headline.
Laming has claimed headlines for some unusual endeavours – pouring oil on his hands in Parliament, arguing for hours with followers of a Simpson meme social media page, advocating for a new verse for the national anthem and drinking a beer while doing a handstand.
As a result, constituents hit out at him for doing what it takes to get media coverage. Certainly Laming is no stranger to using social media. In 2011 he (literally) wrote a book on it, or at least a document of notes on how politicians can use social media.
But this time there was another social media post, from January last year, that was still fresh in people’s minds. At that time, Laming posted: “Are teachers back at work this week, or are they 'lesson planning' from home? Let me know exactly.”
Sadly, this time around, as then, Laming’s comments have been divisive. They are being interpreted as suggesting teachers are lazy, have too much time off during holidays and are operating informally, enabling them to work after hours at home, without pre-approved overtime.
As a result people have become defensive. Teachers feel Laming is not showing appreciation for the work they do. Many parents of school-going children recognise the effort most teachers put into teaching every day, while often also paying for resources and assisting students.
Just last month Education Minister Simon Birmingham met with Laming and principals from Redlands schools. With Birmingham citing the biggest issues raised as teacher training and retaining quality teachers, it appears Laming’s concerns were not prominent on that agenda.
If Laming thinks teachers should be paid for all the hours they work, do less overtime but for longer terms and more professional development or post-graduate studies, he has the platform and the connections to push for constructive debate and reform.