The Australian Greens have announced plans for a huge investment in public schools, committing an additional $4.6 billion for public schools over the next four years and $20.5 billion over the next ten years. Under this plan, all public schools would reach 100% of their Schooling Resource Standard by 2023. This will ensure every public school in Australia has the funding to meet the educational needs of their students, no matter their postcode or their parents\u2019 bank balance.<\/p>\n
In addition to this, the Greens will increase funding to the existing Capital Grants Program to $400 million a year to improve infrastructure in all schools. This fund will include public schools, which are currently excluded, and guarantee 80% of the fund, $320 million a year, for public schools only.<\/p>\n
The Australian Greens Education Spokesperson, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, said:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Greens are proudly the party of public education. We are unapologetic in our advocacy for a well-resourced, world class public education system.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor too long, public schools have had to wait at the back of the queue while Government\u2019s pander to already overfunded private schools. The Greens will ensure that, for the first time, every public school is fully funded.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are more than 2.5 million students going to public schools who deserve the best possible education we can offer them. We have to step up and invest in their future.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know education is life changing. All public school students should have the funding for a world class education.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we continue on the current trajectory, almost nine in ten public schools won\u2019t be funded to meet the basic needs of their students. This is a national shame.<\/p>\n
\u201cNinety-three percent of public school teachers dip into their own pocket to buy stationery and classroom equipment, and nearly half buy library resources and textbooks to make up for the lack of Government funding. It doesn\u2019t have to be this way.<\/p>\n
\u201cA world class education can only happen in quality and comfortable learning environments for students and teachers. At the moment, public school students continue to sweat it out in demountable classrooms with no air conditioning, while some private schools build orchestra pits and their second swimming pool. We will ensure $320 million a year goes to disadvantaged and needy public schools to assist in upgrading and building infrastructure,\u201d she concluded.<\/p>\n
Detail<\/strong><\/p>\n The Greens policy will see the Commonwealth Government make a guaranteed 25% contribution to each school\u2019s Schooling Resource Standard (SRS), the minimum amount of funding needed to provide a quality education. This will amount to $20.5 billion over ten years.<\/p>\n Our Plan: Additional Commonwealth Recurrent Funding for public schools\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \n