The Australian and Western Australian Governments today signed a Statement of Intent to increase funding for all public schools in Western Australia from 95 per cent of the School Resourcing Standard (SRS) to 100 per cent by 2026.
This is a landmark day in the history of public education in Western Australia.
Under the agreement, the most disadvantaged public schools in WA will be fully funded first. This represents an additional $777.4 million investment by the Albanese Government in Western Australian public schools from 2025 to 2029.
As part of the landmark deal, the Cook Government commits to investing at least an equivalent amount over this period, bringing total additional investment in public schools to $1.6 billion.
Currently, the Commonwealth provides 20 per cent of the funding for public schools. This will now increase to 21.25 per cent in 2025 and to 22.5 per cent in 2026 in Western Australia.
The Western Australian Government, as the primary funders of WA public schools, will contribute 77.5 per cent of the funding.
The Statement of Intent provides a basis for the negotiation of the next National School Reform Agreement and associated bilateral agreement, which will tie funding to reforms that will help students catch up, keep up and finish school.
The Albanese Government welcomes Western Australia's decision to work together to fully fund public schools.
Currently, no public school in Australia, except for schools in the ACT, is at the full and fair funding level.
The Albanese Government is committed to working with all states and territories to get all public schools on a path to 100 per cent of the SRS.
Quotes attributable to WA Premier Roger Cook:
"Every Western Australian school student deserves access to a quality education.
"WA schools have received high levels of State funding under my Government and, thanks to our sound financial management, we have been able to invest in new and improved school infrastructure across the State.
"This new landmark agreement with the Federal Government takes support for our schools to the next level - ensuring no child in a Western Australian public school is left behind."
Quotes attributable to Australian Minister for Education Jason Clare:
"This is a landmark day for public education in Western Australia.
"Western Australia's decision to work with the Australian Government to fully fund public schools will deliver a better and fairer education system for the West.
"The Statement of Intent underlines our shared commitment to put all WA schools on a pathway to full and fair funding and invest in the reforms that will help children catch up, keep up and finish school.
"I look forward to working with all states and territories to properly fund our schools and build a better and fairer education system for all Australians."
Quotes attributable to WA Minister for Education Dr Tony Buti:
"This agreement will create a stronger public education system in WA.
"The increase in funding will drive real improvements in outcomes for all students, especially for students from low socio−economic backgrounds; regional, rural, and remote Australia; students with disability; First Nations students, and students from a language background other than English.
"Any reforms will focus on improving equity and excellence in schools, supporting the wellbeing of students and teachers, and providing a strong and sustainable workforce of teachers and non-teaching school staff."
