Queensland has officially signed the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, securing an additional $2.8 billion in education funding from the Commonwealth over the next decade. This historic agreement, described as the largest investment in schools in Australia’s history, aims to address the funding gap in public education and ensure that every public school student receives adequate support.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Queensland Premier David Crisafulli celebrated the landmark deal, emphasizing its significance in improving the state’s education system. Queensland, being the last to join the agreement, will see an increase in the Commonwealth’s share of public school funding from 20 to 25 percent, with states required to boost their funding to meet the minimum amount recommended by the 2012 Gonski Review.
During the announcement in Canberra, Crisafulli highlighted Queensland’s unique challenges, particularly in rural, regional, and Indigenous schools. He expressed optimism that the long-term commitment and increased funding would address these challenges and lead to improved educational outcomes across the state.
Albanese hailed the agreement as a historic milestone, noting that it would ensure full funding for every public school student in Australia based on the Schooling Resource Standard. The reforms under the agreement include measures to enhance teaching practices, implement phonics and numeracy checks, provide catch-up tutoring, and offer mental health support to students.
With an expected $16.5 billion in additional federal funding for public schools nationwide from 2025, the agreement sets ambitious targets to improve student outcomes. These targets include reducing the number of students requiring additional support, increasing proficiency levels in reading and numeracy, and enhancing overall student attendance rates.
The Australian Education Union and Queensland Teachers’ Union have welcomed the funding boost, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on addressing workload issues and improving resources for teachers. The agreement also calls on opposition leaders to support full funding for public schools and commit to the necessary Commonwealth share.
The funding allocation for Queensland will be accounted for in the upcoming budget, with additional investments planned to support the education sector. Crisafulli acknowledged the state’s past underinvestment in public education and highlighted the significance of seizing this opportunity to secure vital funding for Queensland schools.
As the education landscape in Australia undergoes significant reforms and investments, stakeholders are optimistic about the positive outcomes that the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement will bring to students, teachers, and the broader education system. The focus on evidence-based practices, targeted support, and improved resources signals a renewed commitment to enhancing educational outcomes and ensuring equitable access to quality education for all.
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