New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows continuing strong growth in public school enrolments and exposes the ideologically driven school funding policies of state and Federal governments.
The Schools Australia 2019 report shows student enrolments at NSW public schools grew by 7,651 students in 2019.
Over the past five years enrolments at NSW public schools have increased by 33,694 students.
NSW Teachers Federation President Angelo Gavrielatos said the rise in public school enrolments shows parents are showing enormous support for their local public schools.
“NSW public schools deliver our kids an excellent education and parents have recognised that by continuing to flock to the public school system despite the continuing failure of governments to support our public school communities with fair funding,” Mr Gavrielatos said.
“Over the past five years NSW public schools have proudly welcomed more than 33,000 additional students.”
“It is a matter of enormous concern that during this period, Federal and state governments have continued to over-fund private schools at the expense of public schools.”
“The Morrison and Berejiklian Governments have continued to provide recurrent funding to non-government schools at over three times the rate of funding for public schools in NSW.”
“The Morrison Government has no capital funding plan for public schools in this country. By contrast, private schools will receive almost $2 billion in capital funding over the next decade.”
Mr Gavrielatos said government handouts to private schools was clear evidence of the Coalition’s skewed priorities.
Media contact John Hill 0412 197 079