A new survey of teachers in the federal electorate of Cowper finds almost three quarters are concerned Peter Dutton will scrap a historic funding agreement for public schools, while eight in ten believe the funding is critical to support students who have fallen behind in literacy and numeracy.
As part of a new statewide survey of nearly 6000 public school teachers, 190 teachers from Cowper identified students who would benefit most from a new $4.8 billion funding agreement:
- 77%: students who have fallen behind in literacy and numeracy
- 73%: students with a disability or learning difficulty
- 42%: students needing access to school counsellors
- 41%: students at risk of disengaging or dropping out
In the broader survey 77.5% of teachers were very concerned Peter Dutton has never expressed support for public education while 72.5% were very concerned the Coalition will scrap the agreement altogether.
“This funding agreement is not just important — it’s essential,” said NSW Teachers Federation President Henry Rajendra. “And mid-north coast teachers are telling us exactly why. Their schools are under-resourced, their students are missing out, and they’re afraid that Peter Dutton would take us back to the days of deep education cuts.”
The 10-year agreement — signed by the federal and NSW governments — will raise public schools to 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS). It increases the federal share of school funding from 20% to 25% and ends accounting loopholes that inflated state contributions. Mr Rajendra said the numbers send a clear message. “Teachers don’t trust Peter Dutton on education. They remember what happened last time the Coalition was in power, and they know their students can’t afford a repeat,” he said.
A majority of teachers, 70%, said they view the Coalition as very untrustworthy on education policy.
The Federation’s campaign to protect the funding agreement is continuing across NSW, warning voters in key seats that Peter Dutton means fewer teachers and more kids missing out.