- 2023-24 State Budget includes a total of $6.4 billion for education in 2023-24, an increase of $532 million from 2022-23
- McGowan Government to invest an additional $227 million in new and upgraded school facilities
- $1.4 million to progress further planning for a new inner-city primary school
- $24.3 million to support improvements to the Western Australian Curriculum
The McGowan Labor Government continues to invest in improving educational outcomes for Western Australian students, increasing education funding in this year’s State Budget.
A total of $6.4 billion has been allocated to school education in 2023-24, an increase of $532 million or 9 per cent from the previous year.
Public education funding will continue to increase over the forward estimates to accommodate growth in student enrolments.
An extra 3,962 (1.2%) students enrolled in public schools in Semester 1, 2023 compared to Semester 1, 2022. Additional funding has been allocated to ensure schools will have the necessary teaching staff and resources to accommodate enrolment growth and provide high-quality programs for all students.
The 2023-24 Budget also continues to increase support for students with disabilities and additional learning needs, with an additional $137.6 million allocated over the forward estimates. On top of this, from 2023, an extra $8.5 million will be provided to public schools per annum to support more students with additional learning needs in developing their literacy and numeracy.
A total of $12.4 million has been allocated to provide additional regional incentives to teachers and school leaders to work in locations where demand for staff is the greatest.
From 2023, public school secondary students at more than 220 public schools will have access to free period products, with $6.4 million allocated over the forward estimates to improve students’ access to period products to support student engagement and outcomes.
A total of $24.3 million has been committed to support improvements to the WA Curriculum, including adopting and adapting Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum for WA schools and the development of resources to support teachers in the classroom.
In addition to these vital services, the State Budget includes a total of $626.8 million for building and upgrading schools and school facilities.
As part of the 2023-24 Budget, the McGowan Government has committed to building a new inner-city primary school to meet the forecasted population growth in central Perth, providing $1.4 million to progress further planning for the East Perth site.
An additional $12.4 million will be provided to establish a new inclusive education support program and facilities at Wanneroo Secondary College to accommodate 80 students.
A $100 million funding package will enable major upgrades for the ageing Rockingham Senior High School and Safety Bay Senior High School. This new multi-million-dollar commitment will deliver a wide range of significant improvements to both schools, which were constructed in the 1970s.
An additional investment of $11.6 million for an offsite early learning facility will benefit families of young children at the growing Brabham Primary School. The offsite facility will alleviate accommodation pressures at Brabham Primary School and give young students the best possible start to their education.
A total of $53 million will be spent on new and improved school infrastructure in regional WA.
An additional $20.4 million investment has been committed for the major redevelopment of Roebourne District High School, building on the $52 million already provided for the project.
As part of the State Government’s continuing investment in new and improved public school infrastructure across WA, construction has started on two new schools, including the $27.2 million Wattleup East Primary School and the $27.1 million Henley Brook Primary School.
Additional funding of $27.2 million will deliver high-priority preventative maintenance programs to improve a number of public schools. This will include upgrades to improve fire safety and alarm systems and roof replacement and remediation.
Another $41 million will be allocated to allow the purchase of additional transportable buildings, as part of the Department’s ongoing transportable accommodation program.
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As stated by Education Minister Tony Buti:
“The McGowan Government is committed to delivering the best education opportunities for students in Western Australia.
“This budget commits to ongoing support for staff and students at public schools to ensure students can reach their potential in modern, high-quality facilities.
“New and improved infrastructure is essential in helping to meet the needs of students and is an investment in our young people for years to come.
“Since last year’s Budget, the Government has committed to increasing investment in school infrastructure by more than $300 million.”
As stated by Early Childhood Education Minister Sabine Winton:
“As the early years of education are so important to the development of children, I’m sure parents will be delighted by the commitment to providing new early learning facilities and primary schools.
“This investment in Western Australian public schools by the McGowan Government will help set up students for successful lives.”
Early Childhhod Education Minister’s office -6552 6100
