While a number of education bills have passed the Parliament this week with the support of the Coalition, time is running out for more than 80 per cent of government schools.
Shadow Minister for Education, Sarah Henderson, says the Albanese government has left public schools in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia in limbo.
The passing of the Better and Fairer (Funding and Reform) Bill 2024 underpins new agreements reached with Tasmania, Western Australia, the ACT and the Northern Territory.
But just weeks before the end of the current school funding and reform agreement, Education Minister Jason Clare has failed to finalise a new deal with the four biggest states.
“After two and a half years, Mr Clare’s failure to finalise these funding and reform agreements is not good enough. This now places at jeopardy crucial school reforms every child needs to achieve his or her best potential,” Senator Henderson said.
“If this school funding war does not come to an end, Labor will effectively be cutting tens of millions of dollars from most government schools from 1 January 2025.”
Three million Australians with a student debt have also been left high and dry.
While the Coalition also supported the passing of the University Accord (Student Support) Bill 2024, Labor’s claim it is wiping $3 billion in student debt is smoke and mirrors. Labor’s HELP indexation bill since being elected totals a whopping $8.1 billion.
“Labor’s change to HELP indexation means three million Australians will be hit with an 11.1 per cent increase in their student debt. Only seven per cent of students will receive an actual refund,” Senator Henderson said.
“Fuelled by Labor’s cost of living crisis, this is nothing to crow about,” Senator Henderson said.
Senator Henderson also condemned the Albanese government for failing to stop the use of the university Student Support and Amenities Fee for student protests.
“I am appalled the government rejected our amendment to stop student unions improperly using these funds for protests.
“Given the shocking wave of antisemitic protests on campus, this is another failure of moral courage from Labor and more weakness of leadership from Jason Clare,” Senator Henderson said.