Victoria has signed a school funding deal with the federal government, giving its public schools a timeline to reach full needs-based funding. Every other state and territory had signed long-term agreements by mid 2025. Public schools in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia will not reach full funding until 2034. Victoria plans to lift its state share to 75% by 2031, with the Commonwealth share reaching 25% in 2034. Analysts warn that back-ended deals are fragile and that inequality between advantaged and disadvantaged students is growing.
Public school teachers across New South Wales will receive the latest pay rise this week, with the state government saying tens of thousands are up to $20,000 better off. Under the pay deal, starting salaries rise from $75,791 to $92,882, while top-of-scale salaries increase from $113,042 to $133,422. The government says the rise aims to address teacher shortages. Vacancies are at a 12-year low, and more than 25,000 staff have moved to permanent employment. Deputy Premier Prue Car criticised the Liberal and National parties over past wage policies.
NSW public school teachers will receive a 3 per cent pay rise this week, the last instalment of a three-year deal that has lifted salaries by up to $20,000 since 2023. The State Government says the increase is meant to address teacher shortages and keep pay competitive with other states. Starting salaries will rise from $75,791 to $92,882, and top-of-scale salaries will rise from $113,042 to $133,422. Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car said better pay, conditions and fewer vacancies would bring more consistency to classrooms.
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Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has announced the state will lift its school funding contribution to 75 per cent of the recommended standard, after a deal with the federal government. Full funding will not be reached until 2034. Parents and school leaders say schools need the money sooner. James Dunn, a parent and school council treasurer at Pembroke Primary School in Melbourne's outer east, said the school cannot afford to repair its damaged basketball court. Separately, the education department has told schools that curriculum resources are free and that parent contributions are voluntary.
Teachers and parents are rallying on Macquarie Street in Sydney to demand more preparation time for NSW teachers. A poll of more than 1,400 teachers found about 85 per cent have considered leaving the profession because of too little preparation time. Nine in ten said a guaranteed extra two hours a week would make them more likely to stay. The NSW Teachers Federation says the open letter, signed by more than 16,000 people, will be delivered to Parliament.
ACT public school teachers rallied in the streets as part of a week of rolling stop-work action. The Australian Education Union ACT says a new pay and conditions offer must be better, or a full-day strike will go ahead in Term 4. Teachers say heavy workloads, classes being combined and a lack of resources are wearing them down. The Education Minister, Rachel Stephen-Smith, said bargaining is progressing well and she hopes to send a further offer to the union within a couple of weeks, so an agreement can go to ballot.
Julian Leeser, the federal member for Berowra, recently met with P&C executive members from public schools across his electorate for an informal discussion. The talks covered schools, local communities and issues that matter most to families. Leeser, Shadow Minister for Education, said he will take these views into national education policy debates. He noted that public schools are mainly the responsibility of the NSW Government, but that the federal government can also help improve education outcomes. He thanked attendees who gave up their evening to take part.
Victorian schools have been told to tell parents that all curriculum-based instruction and resources, including textbooks, are free. Australian Principals Federation president Andrew Cock says fewer parents may now make voluntary contributions, which could force schools to cut programs. Education Minister Gabrielle Williams says contributions are voluntary and that public schools have always been free. From next year, primary schools will no longer be able to invite or allow students to provide, buy or rent a laptop or tablet. Secondary students using their own devices must have at least one option costing no more than $980.
Public school families in South Australia are set to stop paying materials and services charges under legislation to be introduced to parliament on Thursday. The state government says the change would save families a combined $64 million in 2027. Families currently pay average annual charges of about $382 for primary students and $723 for secondary students. Schools would keep the same funding, with the government covering the cost. Education Minister Lucy Hood said the reforms would make public education more accessible. Low-income families eligible for the School Card scheme would keep receiving support for specialist subjects and programs.
The NSW government has promised 100 new public preschools will be finished and ready for students by day one of term one in 2027. Education Minister Prue Car confirmed the buildings would be complete by then, but repeatedly declined to say how many would actually accept children on that first day. She also would not estimate how many would be open, or say whether delays were expected while each centre awaits approval from the independent NSW Early Learning Commission. Opposition education spokesperson Felicity Wilson said families needed certainty about where their children would be enrolled.
