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

I have told the Senate this time and time again in relation to school systems across Australia, and I can do it again in relation to Catholic education systems: funding grows for Catholic education under the Turnbull government's reforms. Funding grows from $6.3 billion that will be paid towards Catholic education authorities this year to $9.7 billion that will be paid in 2027—$3.4 billion of additional funding growth. This is a funding growth rate that is at least 3½ per cent per student across the states of Australia. The growth rate is faster for Catholic education systems in states like Tasmania and Western Australia because in the past they have got poorer deals than Catholic education systems in other states. By applying a consistent approach and adopting a needs based formula in a consistent way across different states and territories, we are ensuring fair and equitable funding for Catholic systems around the country, as we are for all schoolchildren in all schools around Australia.