Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Can I indicate that I am grateful to the government for their response to this, but I think it is a real issue. There is real concern that there are non-government schools and government schools that are struggling and are incredibly needy, that do not have the asset base of some of these schools that are getting these enormous levels of funding, millions of dollars of taxpayers’ funds—the Exclusive Brethren school is a particular example of that—and they are missing out.

Finally, can I indicate this so that everyone is given fair notice. I am sure that, as a result of the Gonski review, there will be some legislative changes. I would be surprised if there were not. But sometime next year, once the review is over and dealt with, if the government does not do it, I will put up an amendment that is consistent with the government senators’ recommendation in terms of transparency. I hope I will not have to do that. I hope the government will embrace the recommendations of its own senators in relation to transparency in funding.