State schools in Queensland are set to receive the largest funding boost in the state’s history. This is following a landmark agreement between the Crisafulli and Albanese governments. The deal puts all Queensland state schools on a path to full and fair funding.
Under the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, the Commonwealth will increase its share of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) from 20% to 25% by 2034. This will provide an estimated $2.8 billion in additional funding over the next decade. This agreement means every state and territory in Australia is now committed to fully funding public schools.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the funding boost would deliver lasting benefits for students and teachers state-wide.
“We’re proud to have secured the biggest funding boost ever delivered to Queensland state schools. Because that’s what our children deserve,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“This funding will raise the standard in classrooms across Queensland, giving our students a world-class education and the support needed to succeed. We are backing our schools and teachers so they can boost participation rates and unlock our kids’ full potential.”
A shift in funding allocation
The agreement also requires Queensland to shift how it allocates its share of school funding. The state will remove a provision allowing 4% of school funding to cover indirect costs and instead apply it to eligible recurring expenses that directly support students.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasised that the funding will be tied to evidence-based reforms designed to improve student outcomes.
“Building Australia’s future means investing in the next generation. That’s why every dollar of this funding will go into helping children learn and participate in school,” Mr Albanese said.
“We know that education opens the doors of opportunity, and we want to widen them for every child in Australia. This is about investing in real reform with real funding – so Australian children get the best possible education.”
Improving educational standards in Queensland state schools
The agreement outlines specific reforms to improve educational standards, including:
- Year 1 phonics and early years of schooling numeracy checks to identify students in the early years of school who need additional help.
- Evidence-based teaching and targeted and intensive support, such as small-group or catch-up tutoring, to help students who fall behind.
- Initiatives that support wellbeing for learning – including greater access to health professionals.
- Access to high-quality and evidence-based professional learning.
- Initiatives that improve the attraction and retention of teachers and reduce teacher and school leader workload.
Minister for Education Jason Clare stressed that the funding will be directly linked to these reforms to ensure meaningful improvements.
“This is real funding tied to real reforms to help students catch up, keep up, and finish school,” Mr Clare said.
“It’s not a blank cheque. I want this money to get results.”
Targets for fully funded state schools in Queensland by 2030
The agreement also sets ambitious targets to be achieved by 2030, including:
- Reducing the proportion of students in the NAPLAN ‘Needs Additional Support’ proficiency level for reading and numeracy by 10 per cent.
- Increasing the proportion of students in the ‘Strong’ and ‘Exceeding’ proficiency levels for reading and numeracy by 10 per cent by 2030 and trend upwards for priority equity cohorts in the ‘Strong’ and ‘Exceeding’ proficiency levels.
- Growing the Student Attendance Rate nationally to 91.4 per cent (2019 level) by 2030.
- Increasing the engagement rate (completed or still enrolled) of initial teacher education students by 10 percentage points to 69.7 per cent by 2035.
- Increasing the proportion of students leaving school with a Year 12 certificate by 7.5 percentage points (nationally) by 2030.
Queensland Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek described the agreement as a ‘fresh start’ for Queensland state schools.
“We know this funding is needed across the state. I will work with my Department to put this money to best use in every aspect of our education system,” Mr Langbroek said.
For Queensland families, the agreement means more individualised support for students, better classroom resources, and increased support for teachers – ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed, no matter their background or postcode.
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