School Funding Review Vital for Public Education

AEU Federal President Angelo Gavrielatos said the review needed to recognise the
special role of public education in our past and our future.

“This review must recognise the rights of all Australians to access a well-resourced, high
quality public school in their local community and the obligations of governments to
provide that,” Mr Gavrielatos said.

“This is a chance for us to put in place a funding system that delivers for all students, not
just a few. True equity can only exist when government schools set the standard for high
quality education."

“The achievement of high quality education outcomes for every student requires
recognition of the additional costs involved in educating children from a diverse range of
backgrounds and circumstances."

Factors such as family income, indigeneity, language background, geographic location,
disabilities and special needs, and other socio-economic and cultural factors have an
impact on the educational needs and outcomes of students, and thus of schools and
sectors.

“We must recognise these needs and costs in a new funding system and get rid of the
current model which funds schools regardless of need or resources.
“The current system has been so corrupted that 50 percent of private schools get more
than they are entitled to."

“We would urge all public school communities around Australia to get involved in the
review and have their say about how they think schools should be funded.”