A Sunshine North school for deaf children is opposing the sale of Australian Hearing, which is the subject of a study assessing possible privatisation.
Furlong Park School for the Deaf principal Anne-Maree Crivelli said students relied on monthly visits from Australian Hearing to check their hearing aid or cochlear implant batteries and moulds.
Since 1947, Australian Hearing has provided subsidised hearing services to people with hearing loss under the Community Service Obligations program.
Last year it delivered services valued at about $60 million. It was one of four asset sales flagged in the 2014-15 federal budget.
The privatisation study, announced last month by Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, is expected to be completed before the next federal budget.
Ms Crivelli said privatisation historically meant a reduction of services. “The government believes it will be providing a more efficient, streamlined service. But I do not believe a private company would provide the level of service we have,” she said.
All of the school’s 72 students have cochlear implants or hearing aids provided and maintained by Australian Hearing.
“Without Australian Hearing coming here, we’d be relying on parents, many of whom struggle financially,” Ms Crivelli said.
Last week, federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten vowed to fight the sale.
The Maribyrnong MP also raised the issue in Parliament last week.
“I ask the government, and I will even use the word ‘please’, please reconsider the privatisation of Australian Hearing Services – 450,000 kids use this service, as well as adults,” he said in Canberra.
Ms Crivelli said most deaf children did not have deaf parents.
“Without hearing aids they couldn’t talk or read a book; they would operate in a world they don’t understand,” she said. “At least with effective technology they have a chance, and Australian Hearing helps us provide that.”
Australian Hearing was contacted for comment.
