Libby Coker (Corangamite, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That that this House acknowledges the Government's commitment and actions to build a better and fairer school education system, by:

(1) putting an additional $16 billion of Commonwealth investment in public schools on the table as part of the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, to deliver reforms focused on:

(a) lifting student outcomes;

(b) wellbeing for learning and engagement; and

(c) a strong and sustainable workforce;

(2) working to address the teacher shortage through the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan;

(3) delivering $284.3 million to schools to improve school infrastructure through the Schools Upgrade Fund; and

(4) providing $203.7 million in funding to support student wellbeing across every school in the country through the Student Wellbeing Boost.

As a former teacher in government schools and as someone who went through the government system at both primary and secondary level, I certainly want public education to be the best it can be. It is where the majority of Australian families send their children to school. It's accessible to everyone and should offer the best standards of teaching and learning. But the reality is that, to build a better and fairer education system, we need greater investment in public education. It's that simple. That's why our education minister has put $16 billion on the table to fairly and fully fund all schools. This would be the greatest ever increase in Commonwealth funding to public schools. The Albanese government recognises education is the most powerful catalyst to individual achievement, personal wellbeing and the prosperity of our nation.

Over 10 years, our $16 billion proposal will pay for half of the five per cent gap in the Schooling Resource Standard funding, with the states and territories paying the remainder. We're working closely with the states and territories to make this a reality. Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory have already signed the agreement. But it's not a blank cheque. The dollars are tied to key reforms for students to catch-up, keep up, excel and, importantly, complete year 12. With this approach we want to close the education gap. It was a chasm under the former coalition government, who did nothing to increase educational standards.

Reforms, targets and transparency are at the heart of our agenda, which includes three priority areas: equity and excellence, wellbeing for learning and engagement, and a strong and sustainable workforce. To achieve these priority areas, the $16 billion of additional funding will be tied to the following reforms: year 1 phonics checks and numeracy checks to identify students who need extra help; intensive supports, such as catch-up tutoring, to help students who fall behind; greater wellbeing support for students, including counsellors, wellbeing coordinators and mental health workers; attracting and retaining teachers and school leaders through rewards and recognitions; and supporting our teachers and school leaders with quality curriculum resources developed in partnership with the teaching profession. Under these reforms, by 2030, we aim to significantly improve the proportion of students completing year 12, with an increase of 7.5 per cent from 2022 rates. This will be the highest rate of year 12 certification ever achieved.

We're also investing in crucial school infrastructure, particularly in fast-growing areas like mine in the electorate of Corangamite in Victoria. On top of the $16 billion proposal to achieve better and fairer education standards, the Albanese Labor government is investing more than $280 million through the Schools Upgrade Fund. In my home state of Victoria, $48 million is being provided for vital infrastructure projects. In my electorate, almost $260,000 in upgrades has been delivered to local schools as part of our Schools Upgrade Fund, including Drysdale Primary School, with $9,800 provided for new classroom IT equipment; Inverleigh Primary School, with $170,000 provided for an undercover basketball court; Mirripoa Primary School in Mount Duneed, with $40,000 provided for football oval fencing; and Surf Coast Secondary College, with $39,210 for outdoor fitness equipment.

The coalition ripped billions of dollars out of government schools. This is their legacy. The Albanese government's legacy will be different. We are committed to funding government schools alongside the states and territories to make sure that we have a public education system that provides the best outcomes for Australian students and for our future prosperity.

See this speech in context