Public Education

The announcements associated with the COAG Agreement on 29 November 2008 and the investment in school infrastructure as part of the economic stimulus package represent the biggest investment in public education in decades.

$3.5 billion is being spent on infrastructure in NSW public schools over the next three years. As a result of the COAG national partnerships there is $700 million to be spent in NSW over 4 to 5 years on quality teaching, literacy and numeracy and low SES schools. Overall NSW is receiving approximately 44% of the total funds, with 85% of the funding for low SES communities coming to public schools.

This outcome is the result of the tireless campaigning by supporters of public education for more than 10 years.

As you would be aware, the Federal Government has announced a review of schools funding. To be conducted in 2010 and 2011 the review will inform schools funding from 2013. It will be a most significant moment in the politics of education in Australia.

We must now turn our attention to building a campaign aimed at ensuring a just outcome which reflects the fact that it is free, secular, universally accessible public education that remains the key to a vibrant, socially cohesive and prosperous Australia.