A landmark funding agreement between the Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments will deliver, for the first time, full funding of public schools in accordance with the Gonski model.
NSW Teachers Federation said today it is a watershed moment for NSW public school students.
It said this historic deal is a breakthrough moment after years of campaigning by teachers, parents, and public education advocates across the state.
Teachers will now turn their attention to a full throated defence of the agreement at the coming federal election, promising a high impact campaign across NSW electorates, the NSW Teachers Federation said.
The agreement increases the Federal Government’s contribution to the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) from 20 to 25 per cent, bringing public schools to 100 per cent of the SRS when combined with the state contribution.
“Crucially, the deal also ends accounting tricks introduced under previous governments that allowed states to artificially inflate their contributions by counting depreciation costs. The NSW Government has agreed to address this, ensuring real money reaches classrooms,” NSW Teachers Federation said.
NSW Teachers Federation President Mr Henry Rajendra said this agreement is an “investment in our future”.
“It will give all Australian kids a powerful springboard to make the most of their talents and provide the crucial, life changing support necessary for those with learning needs.
“This is the culmination of more than a decade of committed campaigning by teachers, parents and students. It is a historic stride forward. For the first time, we have a comprehensive plan to deliver the full funding our public schools have been promised since the original Gonski Review more than 13 years ago,” he said.
This agreement is in addition to the Commonwealth Government’s commitment to rebuilding vocational education through Fee-Free TAFE and a $12.6 billion investment in the sector.
“Our members will now campaign vigorously to defend and implement this historic agreement. We will not allow the progress we’ve made to be undone,” Mr Rajendra said.
“The upcoming federal election presents a clear choice for the future of education, public schools and TAFE, in this country. Peter Dutton and the Coalition have a documented history of cutting education funding, tearing up agreements with states, and redirecting resources to private schools at the expense of public education.”
The NSW Teachers Federation said it calls on all political parties to commit to honouring this agreement and ensuring that every public school student receives the resources they need to thrive.
