Government narrowly focused on economic development at the cost of other less quantifiable things. As a citizen and a taxpayer, I believe governments need to invest in all aspects of a liberal education. If rocks and crops are the pillars, then surely children's education is the foundation stone and our hope for the future. These cuts represent a kick in the guts for the state school system. You promised in your maiden speech to deliver high-quality education. Rumblings of increased class sizes, cutting teachers' non-contact time and now this blow to state school music education make this a hollow promise. Premier Newman, do you understand how hard state schools struggle to provide not just the bread and butter of education, but also the nourishment children need to become thoughtful, well-rounded human beings? You'd acknowledge the many teachers, parents and children of the state school system who are inspired by extracurricular music programs to strive to be better than their meagre resources allow - to be the best they can be. You'd have some regard for the hours of rehearsals and hard work - sacrifices made by teachers, parents and students - which enable them to participate in Fanfare and MOST. You'd understand the massive contribution MOST makes to the education of state school children from regional Queensland, and to the high standards displayed in the acclaimed Creative Generations concerts. Programs such as these are the beating heart of the state education system. What kind of world do you want to