Congratulations to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labor Government on their re-election and commitment to continue to lead the nation.
The Albanese government recognises the valuable role Catholic education plays in the lives of more than 800,000 students and their families across Australia. This was confirmed in a letter to NCEC from Minister for Education Jason Clare prior to the election.
The government confirmed it will maintain current funding arrangements, with Catholic schools to receive $10.4 billion in recurrent funding in 2025, along with $75.3 million through the Choice and Affordability Fund and $134.9 million via the Capital Grants Program — all with continued indexation. Additionally, the earlier release of Capacity to Contribute scores will improve funding predictability across the sector.
It also committed to sector-neutral education policies, ensuring non-government schools are included in all future Commonwealth-funded programs.
Catholic early childhood education providers will be invited to apply for support from the government’s $1 billion Building Early Education Fund to establish early learning centres on school sites.
Support for First Nations students will also continue through the extended Indigenous Boarding Provider Grants program.
We look forward to participating in the upcoming Schooling Resource Standard review from 2027 and to continuing our contribution to national wellbeing initiatives and broader education reform.
We thank the Albanese Government for its continued partnership and look forward to working together to ensure Catholic education remains accessible, inclusive and sustainable for all families. We remain committed to working collaboratively with the government to ensure these priorities are advanced in ways that respect the unique role of Catholic education in the broader educational landscape.
Papal Conclave
On a global note of significance for our Catholic community, today, 7 May 2025, marks the commencement of the Conclave, as Cardinals from around the world gather in Rome to begin the sacred responsibility of electing a new Pope. The Conclave is a profound moment in the life of the Church, a time of prayer, discernment, and hope. We encourage members of the Catholic education community to reflect on this significant moment as the College of Cardinals begins the process of selecting the next Pope.
Jacinta Collins, Executive Director