A South Australian education union has slammed the 2024 Federal Budget for failing to deliver the much-needed investment in education.
SA Branch of the Australian Education Union says public schools, including the ones in areas like Naracoorte Lucindale District, are not currently funded to the minimum school resourcing standard.
“The current resourcing agreement for South Australia is set to expire at the end of this year, after which time there will be no recurrent Commonwealth funding to SA public schools”, said branch president Jennie-Marie Gorman.
Ms Gorman claimed it was disappointing that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has yet to deliver on his commitment to fully fund our public schools despite widespread support from principals, teachers, parents, unions, community groups and the state government.
“Commonwealth funding to SA private school students is almost double that of public students, and the government’s decision not to continue with capital works funding beyond this year, while giving private schools $1billion over four years for new buildings and facilities, is unacceptable,” she claimed.
She said the Albanese Government must close the capital divide and fund public schools to 100 per cent of the minimum School Resourcing Standard.
“This urgent additional investment, worth up to $190m each year, would significantly alleviate teacher workloads, enhance classroom support, and improve student learning environments.
“We echo the sentiments of SA Minister for Education Blair Boyer earlier this week (last week) and jointly call on the Albanese Government to make this essential investment to ensure every child has every opportunity to succeed.”
She welcomed the measures announced in the budget to attract teachers to the profession, including already-announced plans to provide paid teaching practicums, financially supporting them to complete their education degrees.
“In TAFE, we welcome the Albanese Government’s $600m investment in skills and training as part of the continued rebuilding of TAFE.
“For South Australia, this represents at least $90m to continue supporting fee-free TAFE and VET places and continue the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive Scheme.
“It will also fund programs that support women’s careers and help build our future sustainability and construction workforces.
“TAFE is at the heart of a future made in Australia. This investment will further secure TAFE as the cornerstone provider of high-quality vocational education and training.”
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.