Local educators and members of the NSW Teachers Federation, led by President Henry Rajendra, gathered at Queanbeyan West Public School today March 17, 2025, to protest against potential cuts to a $4.8 billion education funding agreement. This agreement, recently signed between state and federal governments, aims to fully fund New South Wales (NSW) public schools for the first time, increasing the federal contribution to the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) from 20 percent to 25 percent.
PHOTO: The NSW Teachers Federation launched today their federal election campaign, asking voters not to risk Dutton CREDIT: NSW Teachers Federation
The rally in Eden-Monaro forms part of a larger campaign seeking to safeguard this historic funding arrangement amidst fears of a change in government. Teachers express particular concern over a potential Dutton-led administration, referencing Shadow Finance Minister Jane Hume’s scepticism towards the agreement and recalling past education funding cuts under the Coalition in 2013.
In Eden-Monaro, 63 public schools educating over 15,165 students stand to benefit, addressing existing inequities where public schools operate with fewer resources compared to private institutions. Presently, a significant proportion of private schools receive more government funding per student than their public counterparts.
Henry Rajendra, President of the NSW Teachers Federation emphasised the importance of this funding stating, “This historic agreement will increase funding to NSW public schools from the current 91 percent of what they need to 100 percent,” he said. “Once implemented, this additional funding is equivalent to a 20 percent increase in teachers for our public schools.”
Across Australia, public schools have been combating resource gaps, particularly affecting students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including a higher representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
This funding agreement aligns with broader initiatives under the Federal Government, including Fee-Free TAFE and significant investment in vocational training, aimed at transforming educational outcomes.