A historic funding agreement has been reached between the Australian Federal Government and the New South Wales (NSW) Government, marking a significant milestone for public education in the state. This agreement, announced on 4 March 2025, ensures that all NSW public schools will receive full and fair funding in accordance with the Gonski model, fulfilling a long-standing promise to educators and families.
PHOTO: Berridale Public School.
Principal Janene Petersen of Berridale Public School expressed gratitude regarding the impact of the new funding: “Berridale Public School is committed to using the additional school funding to enhance our educational programs, focusing on improving student wellbeing and boosting literacy and numeracy outcomes for every child.”
Under the terms of the Heads of Agreement signed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns, the Federal Government will increase its contribution to the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) from 20 per cent to 25 per cent by 2034.
This increase represents an additional $4.8 billion in Commonwealth funding over the next decade. The NSW Government has also committed to eliminating the previous practice of including capital depreciation costs in their funding calculations, ensuring that funding directly benefits the classroom.
PHOTO: This agreement is hailed as the largest new investment ever made by the Australian Government in NSW public schools.
This agreement is hailed as the largest new investment ever made by the Australian Government in NSW public schools. It is set to provide more than 780,000 children across over 2,200 schools with resources to enhance their education, focusing on improved literacy and numeracy outcomes, student wellbeing, and closing the gap for those who struggle academically.
NSW Teachers Federation President Henry Rajendra welcomed the agreement, stating that it represents a historic stride forward, providing crucial, life-changing support for students. “This is the culmination of more than a decade of committed campaigning by teachers, parents, and students. For the first time, we have a comprehensive plan to deliver the full funding our public schools have been promised since the original Gonski Review more than 13 years ago,” Rajendra commented.
PHOTO: The new Jindabyne Education Campus.
The funding will be tethered to reforms aimed at lifting education standards and includes measures such as phonics and numeracy checks in early schooling years, targeted tutoring programs, and improved access to mental health support. The commitment from both governments is seen as a testament to prioritising education as the foundation for Australia’s future.
Political leaders, including Prime Minister Albanese and Premier Minns, emphasise that this investment ensures every child in Australia receives a quality, free public education. “Education opens the doors of opportunity, and we want to widen them for every child in Australia,” Albanese declared.
This significant agreement with NSW follows similar funding pacts with other states and territories and underlines a growing national focus on achieving equitable education access for all Australian students.