In a historic move, all Tasmanian public schools will be fully funded following the signing of the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement by the Albanese and Rockliff Governments.
This landmark agreement ensures that funding for public schools in Tasmania will reach 100 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) by 2029.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the agreement as a national priority, emphasising the importance of a quality education for all students.
“I want to ensure that every student, no matter where they live, has access to every opportunity. This agreement means that public schools in Tasmania will receive full and fair funding,” Albanese said.
Tasmania is the third state or territory to sign on to the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, joining Western Australia and the Northern Territory in securing increased funding for public education.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff echoed these sentiments, highlighting the transformative potential of the additional funding, which will see up to $300 million invested in Tasmanian schools over the next five years.
“This partnership is the next step in delivering for young Tasmanians and ensuring they have the education they deserve,” Rockliff stated.
Currently, the Commonwealth provides 20 per cent of the SRS for Tasmanian public schools, which will now rise to 22.5 per cent by 2029. Meanwhile, the Tasmanian Government will boost its contribution to 77.5 per cent.
The agreement marks a significant step towards ensuring fair funding for public schools nationwide, with Tasmania committing to reforms aimed at improving student outcomes. These reforms will include Year 1 phonics and early numeracy checks, greater access to mental health professionals, and support for teacher and school leader wellbeing.
The funding boost will begin flowing to schools from 2025, with specific timelines for the increases to be outlined in the forthcoming Tasmanian Bilateral Agreement.
Minister for Education Jason Clare called the deal a “massive day” for Tasmanian public education, while Tasmanian Education Minister Jo Palmer emphasised the government’s focus on delivering the best possible outcomes for students.
With this agreement, Tasmania is now on track to achieve full public school funding by 2029, in line with the national commitment to improving education for all students across Australia.
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