Schools What is our ‘Every School Every Child’ campaign seeking to achieve?
Without funding public schools to a minimum of 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard, too many children miss out on the support they need to thrive.
Every school should be provided with the resources needed to ensure every child gets the best possible education, regardless of their circumstances. Across Australia, public schools are making a significant difference to the lives of their students, helping to level out the playing field, overcome disadvantage and achieve excellence. And yet, state and federal governments repeatedly fail to properly and fairly fund public schools.
In 2017, the Turnbull federal government amended the Australian Education Act 2013, capping the Commonwealth’s contribution at 20% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS). This, and subsequent bilateral agreements signed between the Commonwealth and state/territory governments, mean that 99% of public schools will be below the SRS by 2023 – in fact, less than half of all public schools will be at 95%.
Denying public schools the vital resources they need only entrenches inequality, with many students missing the educational programs and support they need. Every public school must be funded properly so that every child gets the best education, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Imagine the positive difference it would make if every school was provided with the full funding needed to support every child.
‘Every School Every Child’ campaign goals
- Fund public schools to a minimum of 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard to help every child achieve their full potential, including fully funded loadings for students with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, students from low-SES backgrounds, rural students, and students requiring language support.
- Remove the legislated 20% cap on the Commonwealth share of the SRS for public schools.
- Remove the 4% capital depreciation tax in funding bilateral agreements.
- Establish a capital works fund for public schools.
Imagine the positive difference it would make if every school was provided with the full funding needed to support every child. Imagine if every school had more staff, smaller class sizes, and additional learning programs. Imagine new, quality classrooms and improved school facilities and equipment. Imagine well-resourced libraries staffed by qualified professionals assisting students to gain higher levels of achievement.
Making politicians listen
We are calling on federal members of parliament to support fair funding for public schools by committing to funding the SRS to at least 100%. We will be holding online forums in key electorates and making use of free and paid media, including targeted advertisements and billboards.
We have been running electorate-based forums, asking members in those areas to organise a meeting to spread the word with friends, family and colleagues.
To get involved, follow the campaign on Twitter @PublicSchoolsAU and at everyschooleverychild.org.au.
