The report makes clear that Australia is falling behind on key measures because historically governments have not been investing enough in public education.
It shows that government investment in non-tertiary education in Australia remains below that of many leading nations, with Australia spending just 1.7% of GDP on secondary schooling, lower than the OECD average. Investment in public primary schools is also below the OECD average, while government funding for private schools far exceeds international norms at 29.5% higher than the OECD average.
Early childhood education is another area where Australia lags behind. While OECD countries dedicate on average 0.5% of GDP to preschool education, Australia spends just 0.3%, and parents are forced to shoulder far more of the cost than in comparable nations.
This report makes clear how important it is that the full funding of Australia’s public schools remain a priority for governments. All governments, state and federal, have committed to full funding in bilateral agreements, which needs to be delivered on the ground to address the inequity the OECD has highlighted.
The report also shows that more needs to be done to address the growing inequity between Australian public and private schools. Our public schools are carrying the greatest responsibility for educating students from disadvantaged backgrounds, yet they remain the least resourced.
Every child deserves access to a high-quality education, no matter their background or postcode. The OECD confirms that when we fail to invest properly in public education, it is students and their teachers who suffer the consequences.
The report also confirms Australia has among the worst reported teacher shortages in the OECD, referencing PISA data that shows between 2018 and 2022 the proportion of Australian students in schools where principals reported that learning was hindered by teacher shortages jumped from 26% to 47%.
Australia’s above average class sizes and high compulsory instruction hours compound the pressures on teachers. Disappointingly, the report confirms growth in teacher salaries has lagged behind the OECD average.
It is no surprise that teacher shortages are worsening when Australian teachers are working longer hours in larger classes with fewer resources than their colleagues overseas. Governments must deliver on their commitments and invest in the teaching workforce through better pay, manageable workloads, and schools that are fully funded and properly resourced.
The OECD has made it clear that if Australia is serious about equity and excellence, we must invest in our public schools and the teachers who change lives every day.
