Queensland has struck a historic education funding deal, setting a new benchmark for public school investment across Australia. The agreement between the Albanese and Crisafulli governments marks a turning point in education funding, unlocking unprecedented resources for Queensland’s state schools.
As part of the deal, the Commonwealth will increase its share of public school funding from 20 per cent to 25 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) by 2034. This translates to an additional $2.8 billion over the next decade, aimed at elevating student outcomes, improving infrastructure, and providing greater support for educators.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the agreement as a major step forward in delivering equitable education:
“Investing in education means investing in Australia’s future. Every dollar in this deal is dedicated to ensuring children across Queensland have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.”
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli emphasized the transformative impact of the funding:
“This is the largest investment in Queensland state schools in history. It means better-equipped classrooms, more teachers, and stronger student support. This is a game-changer for education in our state.”
The funding is tied to critical reforms designed to enhance the quality of education, including:
Expanding literacy and numeracy programs.
Strengthening small-group tutoring for students who need extra support.
Boosting mental health resources in schools.
Implementing evidence-based teaching practices to improve learning outcomes.
Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare reinforced the importance of ensuring the funding translates into measurable improvements:
“This isn’t just about money—it’s about results. This agreement guarantees that every dollar is tied to reforms that will help students catch up, keep up, and succeed in school.”
The deal is part of the national Better and Fairer Schools initiative, which aims to bring all public schools to full funding. It also includes ambitious education targets by 2030, such as reducing the number of students needing additional learning support, increasing high school completion rates, and raising national school attendance to 91.4 per cent. Additionally, efforts will be made to improve teacher recruitment and retention, addressing workload concerns to ensure educators can focus on delivering high-quality education.
Queensland Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek applauded the collaboration between federal and state governments:
“This agreement is a milestone for Queensland’s education system. It ensures that every child, no matter their background, receives the best possible education, setting them up for a brighter future.”
With every Australian jurisdiction now committed to the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, Queensland’s funding boost signals a transformative shift in public education, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to equal opportunities for all students.
