States Face Deadline to Finalize School Funding Agreement by September

The federal government is intensifying its efforts to secure a new school funding agreement with New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia, as it unveils a strategic plan for the next decade of primary and secondary education. States have until September to accept a proposed 2.5% increase in federal funding for public schools or continue under the existing agreement. Currently, only the Australian Capital Territory has signed on, while 98% of public schools remain underfunded. Western Australia, which reached a bilateral funding agreement with the federal government in January, is expected to finalize its agreement soon. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare is actively negotiating with the remaining states to secure their commitment to the proposed funding increase by 2029. The Northern Territory has already signed the agreement, and Clare has indicated that legislation will be introduced to eliminate the current funding cap that restricts additional federal support for public schools. Clare emphasized that the additional $16 billion in funding for public schools will be contingent upon implementing necessary reforms. The agreement outlines ambitious targets aimed at improving graduation and attendance rates, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, as well as those from disadvantaged backgrounds. By 2030, the government aims for 83.8% of students to graduate with a Year 12 certificate, up from 76.3% in 2022. To enhance accountability, the agreement includes strengthened reporting and transparency measures, requiring annual reports from the Commonwealth and the establishment of a public reporting dashboard to track the investment of taxpayer funds in education.