Research commissioned by the NSW Teachers Federation by education economist, Adam Rorris, has produced further evidence supporting the need for fair funding of public schools.
Analysis of 270 private schools, based on data obtained under Freedom of Information applications to the Federal Government and the NSW Government, has highlighted a net overspend by the NSW Government of almost $75 million in 2018, with more than two-thirds of these schools receiving more than 20 per cent of their Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) entitlement.
The study also identified Catholic schools, as a system, as currently receiving more than their legislated entitlement from the State Government to the tune of $85 million in 2018.
“This analysis highlights a combined NSW overspend in the non-government sector of $160 million in 2018 alone and a corresponding $470 million underspend for NSW public schools,” Mr Mulheron said.
“Under the amended Australian Education Act, NSW is to provide 20 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard to private schools. The evidence shows Minister Stokes is justified in opposing the Morrison Government’s $4.6 billion special deal to private schools.
“This Federal Government cash splash to private schools completely distorts the funding model and ignores the needs of children in public schools,” Mr Mulheron said.
“This research highlights the urgent need for the Catholic and independent sectors to be brought back to 20 per cent of their SRS share.”
“The Federal Government has already ripped billions of dollars from our public schools. The NSW Government must restore some balance back into the system.”
“After all, the local public school is the only guarantee all parents have. Not only that, but the public school system does the heavy lifting, educating our most needy, disadvantaged and vulnerable students.”
Mr Mulheron said the study and recent media comment exposed the incessant greed of the non-government sector and highlighted the urgent need for the State Government to bring the sector back to the legislated 20 per cent SRS share.
“How can any school system or politician see the current arrangements as fair?”
“In the face of seemingly growing pressure from some sectors, Minister Stokes has remained steadfast in both his opposition to special deals as well as his commitment to bringing over funded schools and systems back to what is their legislated share of public funding. For this, he is to be commended.”