Greens back ‘Genuine Gonski’ and public schools in Senate inquiry report

'not enough money committed'

The Australian Greens have highlighted several major concerns with the government’s proposed schools funding model in a Senate inquiry report that was tabled in the Parliament today.

“After weeks of evidence, it’s clear that we can’t support the legislation in its current form,” the Greens’ education spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

“The Greens are committed to the genuine Gonski of fair, needs-based schools funding that both Labor and the Liberals have so far failed to put on the table.

“The Labor and Liberal parties’ contributions to this report perfectly showcase the hyper-partisan gridlock that has held our schools and vulnerable students back for decades.


“While others are only interested in fighting for the private and Catholic sectors, the Greens are standing up for our nation’s public schools.

The Greens’ report made a series of recommendations on how to improve the legislation that would see it deliver more funding to under-resourced schools more quickly, involve the States and Territories in the funding model, create an independent National Schools Resourcing Body and stop the Federal Government from dictating conditions relating to teachers, principals, curricula and school testing.

“All children deserve the best education possible to set them up for a bright future,” Senator Hanson-Young said.

“The quality of a child’s education shouldn’t depend on their family’s wealth, income or which state they live in. Public education should be the gold standard, not a safety net.”

June 14