Victorian educators, school communities, and stakeholders are being urged to have their say on the future of public school funding, as a parliamentary inquiry opens submissions into the impact of a major funding delay.
The Legal and Social Issues Committee of the Legislative Council is investigating the consequences of the Victorian Government’s decision to postpone its commitment to raise public school funding to 75 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS). Originally set for 2028, the target has now been pushed back to 2031, representing a $2.4 billion reduction in previously committed funding for government schools.
Committee Chair Mr Joe McCracken said the inquiry is a vital opportunity for the education community to share how the funding delay is affecting students, teachers, and schools.
“We encourage all interested parties to make a submission,” Mr McCracken said. “This inquiry is an opportunity for the community to have its voice heard on how school funding decisions affect students, teachers and the broader education system.”
Submissions are open to individuals, educators, school communities, organisations and other stakeholders. The committee is seeking feedback on a range of issues, including:
- Comparative funding levels: How Victorian government school funding compares to other states and territories.
- Commonwealth contributions: The impact of the delay on federal funding arrangements.
- Student outcomes: Potential effects on current and future students’ education.
- Workforce effects: Implications for Victoria’s teaching and school workforce.
- Resources and infrastructure: Schools’ ability to purchase educational materials, maintain facilities, and invest in capital equipment.
Submissions can be made via the committee’s website and are open until Friday 19 December. The committee will report its findings to Parliament of Victoria by 30 April 2026.
