NSW has become the latest state to sign up to the Federal Government’s school funding deal, clinching $4.8bn in additional funding
With Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory already signed up, Queensland remains the holdout state, hoping for a better deal.
The agreement, announced today, raises the Federal Government’s share of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) from 20% to 25%, ensuring public schools reach full SRS funding with state contributions. It also eliminates past accounting loopholes that let states inflate their contributions, with NSW committing to direct real funding into classrooms.
‘Absolutely massive’
In an interview with ABC News, Federal Education Minister, Jason Clare, called the agreement “absolutely massive”, saying NSW is now on a path to the Gonski model’s full funding level.”
“This is the biggest new investment in New South Wales public schools by an Australian government ever,” Clare said.
“It will mean parents will feel like they’ve got real choice because this money is going to be invested in the sorts of things that parents want and that children deserve.”
NSW Teachers Federation President Henry Rajendra said the deal gives all Australian kids “a powerful springboard” to make the most of their talents and provide the crucial, life changing support necessary for those with learning needs.
“This is the culmination of more than a decade of committed campaigning by teachers, parents and students,” Rajendra said.
“It is a historic stride forward. For the first time, we have a comprehensive plan to deliver the full funding our public schools have been promised since the original Gonski Review more than 13 years ago.”