January 24, 2025
 

The Australian Secondary Principals' Association (ASPA) applauds the agreements reached between the Commonwealth Government and the states of Victoria and South Australia on public school funding today. Announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the National Press Club of Australia, these agreements represent a significant step towards ensuring all Australian public schools receive full funding according to the Schooling Resource Standard, a long-held goal of ASPA and many other education advocates.

 

ASPA President, Andy Mison, commended all parties involved: "This is an important milestone for public education in Australia. We congratulate the ministers and senior public servants responsible for putting the children of South Australia and Victoria first and negotiating these critical agreements."

 

These agreements bring the total number of states and territories committed to the Better and Fairer Schools Funding model to six out of eight, leaving only New South Wales and Queensland yet to join. The Commonwealth's offer to increase its share of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) by 5%, coupled with removing the 4% funding loophole, represents a substantial and welcome investment in public education.

 

"The increased Commonwealth contribution and the prospective closure of the 4% loophole is a relief and a win for common sense. This addresses key concerns raised by teachers, principals, parents, and the broader community for years now," Mr. Mison stated. "This could be the breakthrough we've been waiting for – a genuine opportunity to finally deliver on the promise of the Gonski funding model."

 

Significantly, the enhanced funding model will also benefit the other states and territories already signed onto the Better Fairer Schools Funding Agreement through the no-disadvantage clause in their bilateral agreements already signed. 

 

With most states and territories now on board, ASPA urges the New South Wales and Queensland governments to follow suit. "Given the significant increase in the Commonwealth's contribution and the removal of previous sticking points, it is now difficult to see a justifiable reason for New South Wales and Queensland to remain outside this agreement," Mr. Mison emphasised. "We call on the Minns and Crisafulli governments to join their counterparts and secure this vital funding for their students. This is a momentous opportunity to build our future as a highly educated nation.“

 

The potential impact of universal agreement on public school funding is profound. "Full funding for every Australian public school will back in and strengthen countless school communities," Mr. Mison explained. "It would also translate to increased support for our most disadvantaged students, those with additional needs, and those in remote and regional areas, including our Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander children."

 

ASPA believes that achieving full and fair funding for all public schools would be a landmark achievement for Education Minister Jason Clare and the Albanese Government, leaving a lasting legacy of improved educational opportunities for all Australian children.

 

Media enquiries: Andy Mison 0400 202 088