Calls to overhaul ‘decades old’ school funding model


The union of public sector workers is calling for action to ensure better resources for the states' public primary and high schools which it says are struggling under the "burden of a decades-old funding regime".

Together Queensland – a citizens union aiming to improve the access and quality of services in the state – said no review of the funding models had taken place since the 1980s.

"This government pledged to review the model for allocating funding to administrative and support staff and we are contributing to that review," the group’s secretary, Alex Scott, told Bundaberg NewsMail.

"The allocative funding model that determines resources for schools hasn't been looked at since the '80s and is woefully inadequate. That's hurting schools.”

Scott added all MPs should advocate for better resourcing for the state’s schools and to “stand with schools support staff”.

“It's time for politicians to stand up for fair resources for schools support staff. School communities win when schools support staff are properly supported to do their jobs which allows the teachers to teach,” Scott said.

"We have these great science operations officers who are supporting science teachers in the labs and classrooms across our state.

"Principals don't have to worry about the grounds because Schools Officers, Business Services Managers and  Administrative Officers have got it covered and our members deserve fair resourcing."

Scott said the government had acknowledged the negative impacts of public service job cutting and privatising services and the importance of IT in schools.

"Adequate resourcing in the education department and in our schools is vitally important to the education and safety of our children and the future of our state,” Scott said.

Together Queensland has also met with the Queensland Education Minister, Kate Jones, regarding the review under the Palaszczuk government's policy of ongoing community consultation.