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.
French police have made nearly 1,000 arrests after clashes broke out in Paris and other cities during nationwide protests over school funding and rising living costs, the government says. The Interior Ministry put the turnout at 410,000, while the CGT union estimated nearly 800,000. Violence erupted at the end of a Paris march, where police used tear gas and water cannons. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the arrest figure was expected to rise. The unrest is testing President Emmanuel Macron's authority ahead of May's election.
Victoria will raise its share of public school funding from 70 to 75 per cent of the national standard, but full funding will not arrive until 2034. The state and Commonwealth agreed to fully fund state schools against the School Resource Standard, a benchmark from the 2012 Gonski review. Premier Ben Carroll called it the biggest investment in schools ever. At Pembroke Primary School in Melbourne's outer east, a basketball court has been unused for two years and half the playground is fenced off. School council treasurer James Dunn said the school cannot afford repairs.
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A Capel mother says monitoring her son's type 1 diabetes should not fall to children as young as seven. Alana Marshall said her son Declan received school support until year two, after which schools must apply for extensions each year. She has started a petition, backed by WA Shadow Education Minister Liam Staltari, calling for funding until the end of primary school. WA Education Minister Sabine Winton said extensions are assessed case by case and that the policy is due for review in the near future.
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.
Labor has pledged almost $29 million to upgrade two schools in South Barwon ahead of next month's state election. A re-elected Labor government would provide $16.52 million for Oberon High School in Armstrong Creek and $12.35 million for Bellaire Primary School in Highton. Bellaire Primary would receive a gymnasium, a canteen and before and after school care facilities. Oberon High's funding would go towards classroom upgrades and a new industrial-standard kitchen for food technology students. Labor candidate Rebecca Thistleton said the upgrades would help students and working families.
Labor has promised $3 million for new classrooms and a toilet block at Tate Street Primary School, if it is re-elected at next month's state election. The money would fund the first stage of the school's masterplan. Geelong MP Chris Couzens said the upgrades would improve facilities for students and staff. He thanked parents, students and school council members for their advocacy. No construction timeframe has been set.
