Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Allman-Payne, as I was saying, one of the factors that influence the amount of funding that's provided to different schooling sectors in every budget is the indexation model. Another factor that influences it is the number of enrolments in particular sectors. We are in the process of beginning a new schools funding agreement with the states and territories which will consider a wide range of matters, including the indexation of school funding.

But I might point out that in electorates that are represented by the Greens, such as Brisbane, Griffith and Ryan, there is a substantial proportion of families who choose a non-state schooling environment for their children. We strongly support the rights and interests of public schools, and, as I say, I've reflected that in my own personal decisions. But we also respect the need for some level of funding for private schooling as well.