We were in Canberra on Budget night and there was a buzz about the cost of living measures, paid practicums, teaching scholarships, HECS debt relief and more, but for public schools, teacher, education support staff and students, the budget was strangely silent.
While we understand that school funding negotiations are continuing between the Commonwealth and state and territory governments, Tuesday’s budget provided a critical opportunity for the Albanese Government to meet their election commitment to put all schools on the path to 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS).
The issue of full funding for public schools is unfinished business for the Albanese Government and must be resolved this year.
Right now, only 1.3% of public schools are funded at the 100% (SRS) needed. This is the minimum level governments agreed was required to meet the needs of students a decade ago.
The challenges are too great, and the cost of inaction too high for governments not to deliver on funding the future of our nation.
There are unacceptable achievement gaps between children from different backgrounds and locations, acute teacher shortages and alarming declines in student wellbeing and engagement. We understand the problems facing public schools today, now it is time to deliver the solutions.
Our schools need to be backed by governments with the resources needed to ensure that every child has access to a high-quality education, delivered by their amazing teachers across Australia.
Together we can achieve full funding for public schools. Click here to get involved in the campaign and help us win.
