Qld education sector to receive $2.8bn Commonwealth funding boost

Struggling students will receive more attention and Queensland’s lagging education standards will improve as part of a $2.8bn uplift in Commonwealth funding.

Anthony Albanese and Premier David Crisafulli met in Canberra in relation to the education funding. File picture

• Ranked: Qld’s top 150 primary schools

Kids struggling at school will receive more attention and the state’s lagging education standards will be improved as part of a $2.8bn uplift in Commonwealth funding.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier David Crisafulli struck the major cash injection in Canberra on Monday, with Queensland signed up to the federal government’s

Better and Fairer Schools Agreement.

As part of the agreement the Commonwealth will provide an extra 5 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard to Queensland – lifting the contribution from 20 to 25 per cent by 2034.

It will result in an extra $2.8bn in Commonwealth funding to Queensland state schools over the next 10 years.

Mr Crisafulli said it was the biggest injection of funding ever delivered for Queensland state schools.

“This funding will raise the bar in classrooms across Queensland, giving our students a world class education and the support needed to succeed,” he said.

“We are backing our schools and teachers so they can boost participation rates and unlock our kids full potential.”

Commonwealth funding will be tied to the reforms needed to lift education standards across the country, including more individualised support for students.

“We know that education opens the doors of opportunity, and we want to widen them for every child in Australia,” Mr Albanese said.

“This is about investing in real reform with real funding – so Australian children get the best possible education.”

He said it was “not a blank cheque”.

A Queensland Bilateral Agreement will tie funding to reforms that will help students catch up, keep up and finish school.

Students in year one will receive phonics and early years of schooling numeracy checks will identify those who need additional help and supports such as small-group or catch-up tutoring will help students who fall behind.

There will be a greater access to health professionals to support wellbeing for learning and initiatives will improve attraction and retention of teachers and reduce teacher and school leader workload.

The agreements includes a target that by 2030 the proportion of students finishing high school will be the highest ever.

Originally published as Qld education sector to receive $2.8bn Commonwealth funding boost