Major investment in education

Central Coast MPs have welcomed an agreement reached by the Federal and NSW Governments to fully and fairly fund all public schools in the state.

The Commonwealth will provide an additional 5% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) to NSW, lifting its contribution from 20% to 25% by 2034.

This follows NSW delivering its election commitment to reach 75% of the SRS in 2025.

The agreement will see an estimated $4.8B in additional Commonwealth funding for NSW public schools over the next 10 years.

NSW has also committed to removing the 4% provision of indirect school costs such as capital depreciation so that schools will be fully funded over the life of the agreement.

Commonwealth funding will be tied to the reforms needed to lift education standards across the country, including more individualised support for students, continuing evidence-based teaching practices, and more mental health and wellbeing support for schools.

“Quality public education changes is life changing and opens doors to marvellous opportunities,” Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid said.

“The Australian Government will provide an additional $4.8B over the next 10 years, strengthening public education in our state and giving our younger generations the best possible start in life.

“These sorts of outcomes only occur when you have strong Labor governments at a state and federal level.”

State Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said investing in public education was one of the most important investments that any government could make.

“This partnership between the NSW and Federal Governments is an investment in every child’s future,” she said.

“The NSW Government has delivered for our community … which will mean that every public school student will have every opportunity to thrive.

“Together with the State Government’s 64% reduction of teacher vacancies in the Gosford electorate, Labor has reaffirmed our ongoing and staunch commitment to strengthening Australian public education.”