Victorian Premier Pledges to Lift School Funding to Meet Gonski Standards

Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has committed to significantly boosting school funding, aiming to meet the state's obligations under the former Gonski plan. This move addresses Victoria's current position as the lowest state funder of schools, contributing only 70% of the agreed School Resource Standard.

Under the national agreement, increasing Victoria's funding by 5% would trigger matching contributions from the Commonwealth, fulfilling the Better and Fairer Schools agreement based on the 2012 Gonski review. This target is set for 2034, but Victoria has lagged in progressing the deal.

“

My priority is delivering full and fair funding for our public school kids.

Carroll stated his intention to finalize full funding before the November election. He has already discussed the funding boost with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. "My priority is delivering full and fair funding for our public school kids,'' Carroll told ABC. He emphasized that 30% of disadvantaged children attend public schools, double the rate in the non-government sector, and stressed that ensuring their future is "the right thing to do."

“

Two reasons: 30 per cent of our disadvantaged kids are in public schools. That's twice what it is for the non-government sector. I want to make sure that we reach up and bring every one of those kids for their future. Secondly, it's the right thing to do.

The previous government under Jacinta Allan faced criticism for delaying the deal, which reportedly short-changed Victorian schools by $2.4 billion over three years. The teachers' union has also demanded full school funding as part of its ongoing pay dispute.

Carroll, who recently replaced Jacinta Allan as premier, is working to reset the Labor government's image just months before the election. He also highlighted priorities in crime and justice, drawing on his experience as education, youth justice, and corrections minister. He advocates for smarter justice initiatives, viewing education as a key to a purposeful life and crime prevention. "Empathy and accountability" will guide his youth justice policies, with potential for increased investment in rehabilitation and education programs within the justice system. "We will provide every young person with the opportunity to learn and earn. Every young person that has broken the law we will work with them, give them every opportunity, but it's up to them to embrace that opportunity,'' Carroll said. "If they make us, we will put a stop to their crime, and..."

“

We will provide every young person with the opportunity to learn and earn. Every young person that has broken the law we will work with them, give them every opportunity, but it's up to them to embrace that opportunity. If they make us, we will put a stop to their crime, and...