Labor’s plan to fund every Queensland public school welcomed by Far North leaders

Far North students will be better off under a new $2.8bn deal securing federal funding for every public school across the Sunshine State, a Cairns-based Senator says.

Labor candidate for Leichhardt Matt Smith has welcomed the ALP’s new education announcement. Picture: Brendan Radke

Far North students will be better off under a new $2.8bn deal securing federal funding for every public school across the Sunshine State, a Cairns-based Senator says.

Under a new agreement announced on the eve of the federal budget, the Commonwealth will boost its Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) to Queensland from 20 to 25 per cent over the next 10 years.

The agreement between the state and federal governments, supporting more than half-a-million students, is the biggest funding injection recorded to Queensland state schools, Senator Nita Green said.

“Every Far North Queensland school student deserves access to a quality education,” Ms Green said.

“This landmark funding agreement delivered by Labor will help improve our local schools in FNQ and boost outcomes for students.

“Labor are investing in regional Queensland schools to create a better and fairer education system.”

Funding will be tied to reforms that will help students catch up, if needed, and increase their likelihood of finishing school, Labor candidate for Leichhardt Matt Smith said.

“This … will be exactly what the next generation needs to get ahead,” Mr Smith said.

“It will ensure more help and better outcomes for students here in Far North Queensland, all while giving teachers the support they need too.”

Numeracy checks to identify students in the early years of school who may need additional help and tutoring to help students who fall behind was also part of the agreement.

Access to mental health professionals at schools and initiatives to improve teacher retention rates will also be bolstered.

Additionally, Queensland will remove a provision allowing them to claim four per cent of state school funding for indirect school costs such as capital depreciation.

Instead, that will be replaced with four per cent of recurrent funding on eligible expenses.

Commonwealth funding will be tied to the reforms needed to lift education standards across Queensland.

Other targets include improving graduation and attendance rates by 2030.

Originally published as Labor’s plan to fund every Queensland public school welcomed by Far North leaders