Historic Public School Funding Agreement

Public schools across Australia are on the way to full funding after a landmark agreement was reached today between the Commonwealth and the QLD Government.

Every state has now signed a Heads of Agreement with the Commonwealth to achieve full funding for public schools.

The Queensland agreement will provide $2.8 billion in additional funding from the Commonwealth Government over the next decade, ensuring that Queensland’s public schools will finally receive 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS).

As part of the deal, the Commonwealth will lift its share of the SRS from 20 to 25%. The SRS is the minimum level of funding that governments have agreed is necessary to meet the needs of students in a school or school system.

This is the final heads of agreement to be signed between the states and the Commonwealth, delivering on the recommendations of the Gonski review to fix school funding in Australia.

AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said the funding of public schools requires a bipartisan commitment and the Albanese and Crisafulli governments have shown what happens when governments work together and prioritise positive policy decisions for public education.

The AEU is now calling on Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to say whether he supports the full funding of public schools in his home state and across the nation.

“Peter Dutton has never supported the full funding of public schools and the Coalition can't give a straight answer about what they would do in government,” Ms Haythorpe said.

“We need to know whether Peter Dutton will commit to delivering the full 25% Commonwealth share of the SRS in every state should he take office.

“Right now, only 1.3% of public schools are funded at 100% of the SRS. For too long, public schools have been underfunded, leaving many students without the resources they need to thrive. Today’s agreement ensures that public schools will finally receive the funding they deserve – and that’s a victory for principals, teachers, students and our communities

“The signing of these agreements is a tremendous win for students, teachers, and the broader public education system.

“We congratulate the Albanese government on committing to a fully funded public education system across Australia and delivering on their promise to make sure no student is left behind.”

Cresta Richardson, President of the Queensland Teachers' Union (QTU), praised the agreement and highlighted its significance for Queensland’s teachers and students.

“Today is a day for celebration for Queensland’s principals, teachers and students. This agreement is the culmination of years of hard work and advocacy, and it’s a moment that reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that every student has the best possible education, regardless of their postcode or background,” Ms Richardson said.

“With this agreement, Queensland’s state school teachers and leaders will finally have the resources they need to close the gap and provide all students with the support they need to reach their full potential.

“We thank the Albanese and Crisafulli governments for this life-changing support of public education and for ensuring that all students, regardless of where they live, will benefit from this historic funding boost.”

ENDS

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Kylie Jensen – 0402 298 728