SCHOOLS FOR OUR FUTURE INQUIRY HEADS TO THE ACT
The Australian Education Union’s national inquiry into public school infrastructure is in the ACT today, hearing directly from teachers, principals, education stakeholders and the ACT Government about the growing infrastructure pressures facing public schools across the territory.
The Schools For Our Future inquiry, chaired by Sharan Burrow AC, is examining the condition of public school infrastructure across Australia and the impact that high-quality learning environments have on student outcomes, inclusion and teacher workloads.
In its fifth stop of the national tour, the inquiry is visiting schools across the ACT and hosting a series of roundtables to hear both the challenges schools are facing and the positive impact that investment in modern, well-designed public school facilities can have on teaching and learning.
AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said the Inquiry has highlighted the urgent need for renewed federal investment in public school capital infrastructure.
“This inquiry is about listening to the people working in schools every day and understanding what facilities are needed so students can succeed,” Ms Haythorpe said.
“Teachers and principals are doing excellent work supporting students across the ACT, but too many schools are operating with overcrowded classrooms, ageing facilities and an increasing reliance on demountables.”
“Students deserve 21st century learning spaces that support the full curriculum, wellbeing and inclusion, and teachers deserve workplaces that are properly resourced so they can do their jobs effectively.”
“We know that when governments invest in modern classrooms, science labs, inclusive facilities and fit-for-purpose learning environments, students benefit and teachers are better supported to deliver high-quality education.”
The AEU’s 2025 State of Our Schools Survey of public school principals in the ACT revealed that:
- Only 36% of public schools principals in the ACT are able to deliver the full curriculum with their current infrastructure
- 24% of public schools in the ACT do not have adequate classrooms to meet enrolment demand and need an average of 6 additional classrooms each
- 39% will run out of classroom space in the next 3-5 years
“We have outstanding examples of what high-quality school infrastructure can achieve, but too many schools are being held back by underinvestment,” Ms Haythorpe said.
“The ACT Government cannot do this alone. We need the Federal Government to step up and be a genuine partner in funding the infrastructure that public schools across the ACT need.”
Submissions to the inquiry are now open, and can be made via the website: https://www.schoolsforourfuture.org.au/make-a-submission
The Inquiry is seeking submissions from students, teachers, principals, support staff, parents and family members, governments, organisations and individuals with an interest in education and the future of public schools.
ENDS
Media Contact – Kylie Jensen 0402 298 728
