SCHOOLS FOR OUR FUTURE INQUIRY TRAVELS TO NSW

The Australian Education Union’s national inquiry into public school infrastructure is in the NSW this week, travelling across the state to hear directly from teachers, principals, education stakeholders and the NSW Government about the infrastructure challenges and opportunities facing public schools.

Beginning today with a series of roundtables in Sydney, 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 sixth stop of the national tour, the inquiry will visit schools across NSW to understand the adequacy, condition and future readiness of public school facilities, and the extent to which current capital investment meets the needs of growing student populations, modern curriculum requirements and safe learning and working environments.

“This National inquiry into public school infrastructure is the first of its kind in Australia,” AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said.

“We are travelling the country, visiting schools and listening to teachers, principals, education stakeholders and Governments to understand what facilities are needed so students can succeed.”

“We have outstanding examples of what high-quality school infrastructure can achieve, but too many schools are being held back by underinvestment.”

“The NSW 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 state need.”

In the AEU’s recent State of Our Schools Survey NSW Principals said:

• 24% of public schools in NSW do not have adequate classrooms to meet enrolment demand and need an average of 5.5 additional classrooms each
• 36% will run out of classroom space in the next 3-5 years
• 47% say the external maintenance of their school buildings is inadequate and 51% say internal maintenance is inadequate
• 52% say that the science facilities are their school are inadequate and 53% say their technology and design facilities are inadequate
• 60% say their school lacks purpose built structures to support the needs of students with disability
• Only 35% of NSW public schools principals are able to offer the full curriculum with their current infrastructure

“Students deserve 21^st 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.”

To ensure all voices are able to be heard, 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.

“We want to hear from as many people as possible to fully understand the needs of teachers, students, funding and what is required for the future for our public school buildings and facilities,” Ms Haythorpe said.

“Making a submission has been designed to be as easy as possible, whether it’s answering our survey-style questions online, sending a written submission or even a video. We want to hear what works, what needs addressing, and how we can have a modern, safe, and fully equipped public school system, now and for the future.”

Submissions will remain open until June 30th, 2026 and can be made via the website: https://www.schoolsforourfuture.org.au/make-a-submission

ENDS

Media Contact – Kylie Jensen 0402 298 728