The shocking disparity in funding for private schools and public schools, revealed today shows the urgent need for greater public school funding.
“Public schools enrol the overwhelming majority of Australian students and enrol a greater proportion of students with additional needs,” said Australian Education Union Deputy Federal President Meredith Peace.
“And yet, as this data shows, public schools are being left behind due to inequitable funding arrangements.
“More than 98 per cent of private schools are funded by the Commonwealth and state and territory governments above the Schooling Resource Standard and over 98 per cent of public schools are funded below it. This is the education funding standard agreed to by all Australian governments in 2012.
“Yet, if all Australian public schools were fully funded, then students from all backgrounds would benefit from additional teachers, more classroom support and renewed, up to date resources.
“The Albanese Government must negotiate new funding agreements that lift funding for public schools in every state and territory to 100 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard.”
