Response to the Funding Review Terms of Reference

Review of Funding for Schooling - Terms of Reference Consultation

Click here to download the paper in PDF format.

The Australian Primary Principals Association is looking forward to the Review of Funding for Schooling. Overall, we are pleased with the terms of reference though some are stated so broadly it is difficult to determine precisely what they include or exclude. Presumably, the panel members will be allowed to use their considerable experience and expertise to interpret their meaning.

We assume that the terms of reference would allow the review panel to consider the following matters.

• The development of a new funding model to take full account of funding from both the state and Commonwealth governments.

• The need for full transparency in the distribution of funds from government treasuries through various channels to individual schools.

• The obligations of all schools receiving government funding to comply with a limited set of operating principles that promote collaboration and professionalism rather than competition and self-interest.

• The wisdom of allocating different levels of funding to the various stages of schooling during the K to 12 years (currently the years 4 - 6/7 are the lowest funded years of schooling).

• The differential weighting of government funding so that schools serving large numbers of high-need students receive levels of funding that according to research offer them the prospect of school success.

In conclusion APPA is delighted with the experience and wisdom that the expert panel will bring to the entire process.  As stated we are very much looking forward to contributing to the review on behalf of Catholic, Government and Independent principals.