Media Release: Release of the Gonski Report on the Review of School Funding

GONSKI OFFERS SOLUTIONS TO OUR BROKEN SCHOOL FUNDING MODEL

APPA today congratulates Mr. David Gonski AC on the release of the final report of the Review of Funding for Schooling and commends the panel for the comprehensive document and forward thinking recommendations.

Click here to download the media release from APPA.

Click here to read the full report of the Gonski Review.

Also available is the Hawker Britton Occasional Paper on the Gonski Review which gives an excellent synopsis of the issues involved - click here to download it.

The panel recognised that the current funding system does not work effectively for Australia’s school students. The proposed single model whereby the Commonwealth and states work together in delivering funding certainty to school communities is laudable.

APPA President Norm Hart said that the proposed School Resource Standard was a particularly welcome prospect:

“The School Resource Standard seeks to bring a consistent, transparent and fair approach to school funding. APPA has been calling for greater transparency of school funding, and if implemented properly, the SRS should deliver this.”

The proposal to address disadvantage by introducing an additional loading is potentially far reaching and will benefit students in every Australian school. As the peak body representing 7,200 primary principals across the Government, Catholic and Independent school sectors in all states and territories, APPA looks forward to participating actively in the work of the Ministerial Schools Funding Reference Group.

APPA also notes the proposal to establish an independent National Schools Resourcing Body, and looks forward to engaging positively on its design and establishment. Mr Hart said that APPA recognises and supports the need for certainty of funding for schools and school communities over the proposed twelve year timeframe.

“However, APPA remains concerned that the methodology for determining the primary school resource standard is based on obsolete historical understandings of primary school education. We believe greater investment in primary schools provides the best foundation for children’s future education achievements. This can only be done by delivering 21st century classrooms.”

While APPA agrees with the Government for the need for consultation on the best possible schools funding model, the reform process needs to commence as soon as possible and calls on all governments to work collaboratively for our nation’s benefit. The call for additional investment in education to support these reforms should be a high priority for all governments.