All Tasmanian public schools will be fully and fairly funded by the Albanese and Rockliff Governments following a historic agreement signed today.
Both governments have signed the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement and agreed to increase funding for all public schools in Tasmania to 100 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS).
Tasmania has become the third state or territory to sign on to the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement.
Currently, the Commonwealth provides 20 per cent of the SRS for Tasmanian public schools. This will now increase to 22.5 per cent by no later than 2029.
The Tasmanian Government, as the primary funders of Tasmanian public schools, will increase its contribution to 77.5 per cent of the SRS by no later than 2029.
The Agreement signed today will be followed by a Tasmanian Bilateral Agreement, which will tie funding to reforms that will help students catch up, keep up and finish school, including:
- Year 1 phonics and early years numeracy checks to identify students in the early years of school who need additional help
- Initiatives that support wellbeing for learning – including greater access to mental health professionals
- Access to high-quality and evidence-based professional learning
- Initiatives that strengthen teacher and school-leader wellbeing.
The Bilateral Agreement will also set out the specific timing of the Australian and Tasmanian Governments’ increases in SRS funding shares to get to full and fair 100 per cent funding level as soon as possible by no later than 2029.
Currently, no public schools in Australia, except for schools in the ACT, are at the full and fair funding level.
This announcement follows Western Australia and the Northern Territory each signing on to the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, delivering record funding to their public schools.
The Albanese Government welcomes Tasmania’s decision to work together to fully fund public schools.
The Government is committed to working with all states and territories to get all public schools on a path to 100 per cent of the SRS.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“I know firsthand the power of a good quality education.
“I want to make sure that every student in Australia, no matter where they live and learn, receives every opportunity.
“Today’s landmark agreement means every public school in Tasmania will be fully and fairly funded.
“This is a national priority that can only delivered when the Commonwealth and State and Territory governments work in partnership.
“That’s why my Government has put $16 billion in extra funding for public schools on the table - the biggest ever increase in Commonwealth funding to public schools.”
Quotes attributable to Premier of Tasmania Jeremy Rockliff:
“Tasmanians deserve every opportunity in the world, no matter where they live or what their parent’s income is.
“Today’s deal between the Tasmanian and Australian Governments ensures public schools will be fully funded.
“Additional funding will now flow to Tasmanian schools from 2025, with up to an additional $300 million invested into our public schools over the next five years.
“We have been transforming Tasmania’s education system over the past decade, and this funding partnership is the next step in delivering for young Tasmanians.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:
“This is a massive day for public education in Tasmania.
“Tasmania’s decision to work with the Albanese Government to fully fund public schools will deliver a better and fairer education system for Tassie.
“This agreement means that all schools in Tasmania will be fully funded and that funding will be invested in reforms to help students catch up, keep up and finish school.
“I look forward to working with all states and territories to properly fund our schools and build a better and fairer education system for all Australians.”
Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Education Jo Palmer:
“The Tasmanian Government is focussed on giving children the best possible start in life and learning.
“Our education system is critical in supporting our young people in gaining the skills they need to fully contribute to our community and economic future.
“Our Government has delivered significant generational change and we are committed to further improving our education system.
“This funding agreement will ensure our students are supported to get the educational outcomes they deserve so they can lead their best lives.
“We must move to full funding as quickly as we can, and that is my focus.”