January 2011     A school funding review is being conducted for the first time since 1973.  The review will draw from the nest models from Australia and around the world, and will examine all funding to schools. 

Peter Garrett, Minister for School Education, says: “This review is a once-in-a-generation chance to look at how our school funding arrangements can be made more transparent, fair, and financially sustainable.  Everyone in Australia has an interest in making our schools as good as possible and this Emerging Issues paper provides a common framework so parents, educators and the community can have their say about the issues that are important to them.”

The Emerging Issues paper reflects views expressed during a recent listening tour conducted by the Panel, involving almost 70 schooling stakeholders, including government and non-government education authorities, Indigenous education and special education representatives, and parent, principal, teacher and union groups.

“School funding provides support for the 3.5 million Australian students each year, it is complex and there are many views on how it could be improved. That’s why it’s so important that we have this Independent Panel conducting this review.”

“The paper invites the community to make a submission before 31 March 2011 and I’d encourage everyone to take this opportunity to read the Emerging issues paper and have their say."

"The  aim is to improve the current school funding system to make it fairer and more open, because that is what parents and school communities want,” Senator Jacinta Collins said.

Mr. Garrett explained: “The school funding review is the next step in delivering transparency, accountability and ultimately a sustainable school funding model for the future.  This process is not about taking money away from any school. Rather, the Emerging Issues paper released today is the next step in an open, balanced and thorough exchange with the community on this issue.”

More information about the Panel’s activities, including consultation opportunities, will be released over the next few months.

The emerging issues paper and further information on the review, including information on how to make a submission, can be found at www.deewr.gov.au/fundingreview. All Australians are invited to have a say.

Fact sheets on the website include information on how schools in Australia are funded, how much they receive, how many schools and students there are.

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