Australian Education Union

Fairer Schools Funding

We’re campaigning for Fair Funding Now for public schools. Visit our campaign page here.

Every child deserves the chance to succeed at school.

That is why the AEU is campaigning for fairer funding arrangements for schools.

We want to ensure that every school is properly resourced to meet the needs of every student.

Unfortunately, the Federal Government’s national funding plan leaves principals, teachers and students across the country without the resources they need.

It means $14 billion less for public schools in the next decade ($1.9 billion less than was committed to in signed agreements with state and territory governments in 2018 and 2019 alone).

By 2023 the Turnbull plan will deliver 80% of the funding for private schools need but only 20% of the funding public schools need.

That will leave 99% of public schools below the national Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) - the minimum level of funding required to meet the educational needs of children.

Mr Morrison has also cut the funding for students with disability in public schools in five states and territories.

What we want

We can’t continue with a plan that will leave public schools across the country under-resourced.

The AEU believes the Federal Government should work with State and Territory governments to ensure all schools reach the national resourcing standard (SRS).

That will mean teachers and principals in all schools finally have the right resources to meet the individual needs of their students.

Resources get results

With the right resources teachers and principals can do so much more.

With additional funding schools can:

  • Reduce class sizes
  • Employ additional specialist teachers in areas such as literacy and numeracy
  • Provide greater assistance and support for students with disabilities or behavioural problems
  • Build the skills and knowledge of teachers through additional training.

Funding success at risk for public schools

These stories show how schools have used additional needs-based
funding to overcome disadvantage, turn around results and achieve learning
success. The Morrison Government is placing that success at risk by holding
back $14 billion in public school funding from now until 2027. By holding back
funding, Morrison is holding back our public schools, and holding back our
children’s future.


Recent items