The public education system in Western Australia has been reformed over the past year, from increased funding to inclusivity for those living with disabilities and support for schools facing increased demand.
Some of those changes have been met with staunch criticism, from opposing political sides, unions, parents and teachers, all passionate and pushing to have their voices heard.
WA Education Minister Tony Buti.Credit: Holly Thompson
The man behind the changes, who cops the good and the bad that comes from taking on arguably one of the more onerous state government portfolios, is Education Minister Tony Buti.
Here is the year in review, in his own words, and his answers to our rapid-fire questions:
Achieved in 2024
A landmark $1.6 billion for public education: This investment was the biggest milestone for this year by far. Public schools deserve to be funded to 100 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard, and we were the first state to sign a deal with the federal government to make that happen.
Post-secondary school pathways review: The current system was set up in the late 1970s to early 1980s and does not cater to the diverse student make-up of schools today. The pathways review will help change the year 11 and 12 architecture to make it more appropriate for a wider range of students.
Capital works: We have invested $4.8 billion this year into building and maintaining schools across WA. This year, Piara Waters Senior High School and several primary schools also opened and we have two new primary schools opening for Term 1, 2025 – Maarakool Primary School in Brabham and Eglinton Beach Primary School.
And in 2025 …
It is time to implement reforms based on the secondary pathways review. We need to make sure we are setting up a system that recognises the diversity of students in upper school so they are incentivised to test themselves to reach their full potential.
Supporting students with complex needs is part of this. We need an education system that can deal with the increased presentation of students with complex needs, and part of that will be tied in with reforms including trials of full-service schools. There is no plan for this yet, but it is something we must look at.
We need to continue to look at where we should invest in new schools to cater for population growth, and which schools need an uplift. Around half our more than 800 public schools are at least 50 years old.
Rapid-fire questions
Suspensions and exclusions across public schools continue to increase significantly. In 2023, more than 21,000 were suspended. Why?
There are a lot of variables in our society and school is not immune from the complexities of life. There are various reasons for this, outside the control of schools. What I am keen on is schools having the necessary legal policy and framework to deal with students behaving this way.
Is consideration being given towards tech in ATAR exams? Reports have suggested students may be missing out on marks due to illegible handwriting.
To be honest, I need to figure this one out. The way we assess kids needs considering, and we need to keep looking at ways of including all students and making examinations more equitable, particularly those with higher needs who may benefit from using technology in these situations.
Class-size challenges have been a key talking point for the State School Teachers’ Union WA. Will the department review this?
The issue has very rarely been brought to my attention. During education forums this year, what has been brought up is support in dealing with complex needs. Something that is important to me is making sure there is a sustainable workforce, and to do that, we need to listen to what is being said by those in front of the students.
East Perth Primary School has been a big topic. Any final thoughts on this, and when will construction begin?
Getting power and water connected will start within a couple of months and construction will begin by mid-2025. Others have different agendas, but mine has been to ensure we have a primary school that supports inner-city growth – that has always been my motivation, to create a major asset to the local community.
What are your thoughts on international student caps and their impact on WA universities?
I want to ensure universities in Western Australia are not disadvantaged vis-a-vis other Australian universities. We need to attract both domestic and international students to the state – they are an important part of our economy – but my focus is on making sure WA universities are not short-changed.
Anything else?
I am excited about the regional education strategy. We released the draft for consultation and are expecting the final report back at the beginning of 2025. Students in regional and remote areas of the state should have the same educational opportunities as students from the metropolitan region.
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