My constituency question is directed to the Minister for Education. What is the impact on local government schools in the Glen Waverley district because the Commonwealth government is not providing 5 per cent of the needed funding according to the schooling resource standard? Public education is the backbone of our state. Quality public schools give every child, regardless of gender, race, sexuality or socio-economic background, a chance to learn and develop into contributing members of society. They provide opportunities and open pathways for kids to be the best version of themselves. Public schools are some of the most important assets of our state and nation, and we must do everything in our power to improve and support them. We have a situation whereby private schools are overfunded whilst public schools, which serve the majority of our community and quite oftentimes the most disadvantaged, are chronically underfunded. The fact that we are even discussing whether public schools should receive even the minimum funding is outrageous, and it is so disappointing to see that the Commonwealth is not more motivated to provide more funding to bridge the disparity. Minister’s Response: Victoria is calling on the Commonwealth to increase its funding commitment from 20% to 25% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) for government schools, so that all schools are fully and fairly funded. Victoria is also advocating for long-term funding for school infrastructure to be included in the agreement alongside the SRS, as recommended in the original Gonski review. Victoria has grown funding for government schools faster than any other jurisdiction. The Victorian per-student funding for government schools has grown by over 30% since 2014-15, as reported in the 2024 Report on Government Services. Our priority is making sure all students – no matter their circumstances – have the best start in life and can attend a great school in a system funded at 100% of the SRS. ____________________________________ Hon Ben Carroll MP |