Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Education and Training) Share this | Hansard source

I am happy to confirm that the funding growth for public schools under the Turnbull government's reforms is significant. The funding growth will provide billions of additional dollars out of our $18.6 billion commitment that will flow to the neediest schools across Australia. Indeed, public school systems will see the fastest rate of growth under the reforms the Turnbull government is putting through. More than 4½ thousand of Australia's neediest schools—overwhelmingly, public schools—will see growth in excess of five per cent per student per annum over the decade under the reforms that are before this chamber at present. This is about delivering on the vision of David Gonski and his panel, ensuring that we apply a true consistent needs-based model, that we do it consistently as a national government regardless of the boundaries or borders of different states and territories, and the greatest growth in support flows to those public schools who need and deserve it most.