Landmark deal for NSW public schools ends stand-off, but with a catch
Extra $4.8 billion in Commonwealth funding for NSW public schools confirmed, but better results for students demanded by the Albanese Government.
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A stand-off over public schools funding between the NSW Government and their federal counterparts has been resolved, with a warning from the Commonwealth that an extra $4.8 billion in cash won’t be a “blank cheque” and will be tied to student performance.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the deal, which will result in the federal government contributing 25 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS), would help the state’s children “get the best possible education”.
The NSW Government, which pays 75 per cent of the SRS, previously rejected an offer from the Commonwealth to increase their share of funding from 20 per cent to 22.5 per cent.
The rise to 25 per cent will result in $4.8 billion in additional Commonwealth funding going to the state’s public schools over the next decade.
Mr Albanese said “every dollar of this funding will go into helping children learn”.
“We know that education opens the doors of opportunity, and we want to widen them for every child in Australia,” he said.
Federal education Minister Jason Clare cautioned the funding wasn’t a “blank cheque” and put the onus on the state to deliver better outcomes for students.
“This is big. The biggest state in the country has now signed up,” he said.
“It’s not a blank cheque. I want this money to get results.
“That’s why funding will be directly tied to reforms that we know work.”
The funding agreement includes performance measures stipulated by the federal government to the state.
This includes increased checking to identify students who need additional help in their early years of schooling, more intensive support such as small-group or catch-up tutoring for students who fall behind, and greater access to mental health professionals for students.
NSW must also hit national targets set by the Commonwealth, such as improving NAPLAN results, increasing student attendance, and growing the proportion of students leaving school with a Year 12 Certificate.
Premier Chris Minns added it was a “vital” investment.
“Public education is the best investment any government can make. Every dollar spent in this space is a dollar spent on the future of our country,” he said.
“We’ve seen a 40 per cent reduction in teacher vacancies since we came to government, but we know there’s still more to do.”
Deputy Premier and NSW education Minister Prue Car, who played a lead role in negotiations, said funding would help deliver “tangible results”.
“Our commitment to rebuilding public education will now be underpinned by an agreement that delivers full funding for public schools,” she said.
NSW is the second-last jurisdiction to finally reach an agreement with the Commonwealth on funding, with Queensland the sole remaining holdout.
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