The so-called ‘education state’ of Victoria has ripped 2.4 billion dollars of funding from our already underfunded public schools.
The State Government has an agreement to fund 75% of public schools.
With the federal government committing to fund the remaining 25%, but only once the state has reached it’s 75% first.
The Victorian Labor government had previously said they’re committed to reaching 75% by 2028.
But quietly changed it to 2031 (and buried the change in budget papers in the hopes that no one would notice)
The result of this change means that $2.4 billion dollars of funding that was promised by Labor, will not be given to our public schools.
This delay will also mean the additional 25% funding from the federal government won’t be provided until 2031, further disadvantaging our schools.
The Gonski report, which recommended this funding was released over a decade ago in 2012.
By the time the funding recommendations are finally met, it will have been nearly 20.
Private schools achieved full funding seven years ago, and as many as 40% have exceeded this amount.
Public schools in Victoria receive less funding per student than schools in every other state.
And this gap is only set to grow with these funding cuts.
Our teacher’s are also the worst paid in the country, receiving nearly $10,000 less than their direct neighbours in NSW.
Trying to hide this change just shows the Victorian Labor Government knows this doesn’t pass the pub test.
And it begs the question.
What else are they prepared to cut?
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