NSW public schools get major funding boost

NSW public schools get major funding boost

The NSW Government has successfully negotiated an extra $712m for public schools over the next decade under a new national funding agreement.

NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, Education Minister Rob Stokes and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet made the announcement today, which will fund an additional $6.4bn to 2027 for schools across the state from 2019.

The deal also ensures that Catholic and independent schools across the state will receive their additional funding promised recently by the Federal Government.

“This is an historic day for NSW setting up our students for a stronger, better future. Every child, no matter where they live, their family’s circumstances or the school they attend, must be given every opportunity to be their best,” Berejiklian said.

Stokes said that the agreement ensures all schools are funded fairly, with the NSW Government stepping in to provide additional funding for public education in the face of a Federal Government shortfall.

“Today’s announcement means all our government, Catholic and independent schools across NSW now have funding certainty for 2019 and beyond,” Stokes said.

“We urged the Federal Government to provide fair funding through their Choice and Affordability fund to every school in NSW. In the absence of this, the NSW Government has stepped in to provide additional funding to government schools to ensure this historic funding agreement treats all NSW students fairly.”

Perrottet said the NSW Liberals and Nationals’ strong economic management meant the latest “unprecedented investment” in the state’s schools was possible.

“It is only because we manage the state's finances well that this government can make significant investments in the things that matter most – like better opportunities for our children,” he said.