Catholic education says the Federal Government’s commitment to maintain funding certainty and much needed indexation, along with support for early childhood educators, measures to reduce teacher workload, school upgrades and Closing the Gap initiatives, will help address immediate and future education needs.
The Albanese Government’s second budget handed down on Tuesday includes:
- Needed indexation and funding certainty to Catholic schools.
- $72.4 million in crucial initiatives to support early educators, including professional development opportunities.
- $9.3 million to implement the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan, building on the $328 million already invested.
- $21.6 million to extend the Indigenous Boarding Providers grants program for one year to support approximately 2,300 students across around 50 boarding providers.
- $40.4 million in additional funding for schools in Central Australia to increase school enrolment, student engagement and improve learning outcomes.
- $50 million in Round One of the Schools Upgrade Fund (includes schools across all sectors).
National Catholic education executive director Jacinta Collins said Labor assurances that there would be no cuts to Catholic school funding have been maintained.
“The Government has also committed to continue to work with schools to ensure funding fairly and accurately reflects a school community’s capacity to contribute to the cost of students’ education,” Jacinta said.
“Measures to address early childhood education are a constructive move, enabling children to build critical foundations in the year before commencing school.”
The Catholic education sector operates about 400 preschools and early learning centres educating nearly 15,000 children across Australia.
Jacinta said prioritising the needs of highly disadvantaged schools in Central Australia was a valuable initiative.
National Catholic education executive director Jacinta Collins speaking with students. Image courtesy of Catholic Education Western Australia.