Most are well-educated, are expected to be smart enough to produce innovations that will make it as easy as possible for as many of our young people as possible to achieve the best possible results for themselves, their families, the community and the nation.

Surely, it is in society’s best interests to have the best educated and skilled people it can get.

So, why is there a seemingly endless battle to get there?

The Country Education Foundation (CEF) has pointed to the fact that 20 per cent of students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training courses in NSW complete the studies.

A NSW government report shows 23,000 VET students in NSW had incomplete courses at a cost of $420 million.

But, CEF said, 90 per cent of students who get a CEF grant successfully finish courses.

CEF CEO Wendy Cohen says that shows financial support can address high attrition rates.

No surprise. A significant part of the problem (and the possible solution) comes down to one word: money.

But, in the sometimes parallel universe of politics and government, problems are not easily solved. They become mired in ideological wars, budget cuts, under-funding, increased privatisation of the education system etc.

CEF has been pushing for solutions to the high cost to regional students of studying at distant metropolitan universities. It is prohibitive and a disincentive. It was investigated in 2015 and a report compiled for the federal government. Not much has happened.

Two regional universities want to create a regional medical school to help retain doctors in the country. Nothing has happened.

The Gonski plan has had funding cuts and many believe it will not fully achieve its goals. Gonski would have ensured more money was spent on disadvantaged students. Many of those students are in the regions.

The list goes on. The arguments roll on. The problems stay mired.

When will the politicians ever learn to give our young people and society the best education system money can buy?