Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a significant funding initiative that will ensure every public school in Australia is fully funded by the federal government. This announcement comes as part of a remarkable investment, with an additional $2.8 billion allocated for Queensland public schools over the next decade, impacting around 560,000 students. This move aims to align Queensland’s education funding with the national standard.
The announcement precedes the federal budget release by less than 48 hours, marking a pivotal moment for public education in Australia. Albanese affirmed at a press conference in Canberra that the funding aims to provide equal support for all students, regardless of which school they attend. He remarked, “Education opens the doors of opportunity, and today, we are widening them.”
This funding supports an estimated $16.5 billion in supplementary Commonwealth funding for public schools across Australia within the 2025-2026 period, representing the largest investment in public education by any Australian government. Both Albanese and Queensland Premier David Crisafulli described this as a historic agreement, noting that Queensland is the final state to formally commit to the national schools funding agreement.
The funds will be targeted towards addressing specific challenges faced by Queensland public schools and will facilitate the implementation of effective educational reforms. Albanese clarified that this is not an unrestricted investment; rather, it is a calculated investment aimed at fostering the future of young Australians.
Premier Crisafulli noted the long-term benefits of this ten-year investment, emphasising that it will support students from remote and regional areas and even those yet to be born, ultimately aiming for enhanced educational outcomes in the state. The emphasis is on ensuring that no student falls behind, with the additional funding designed to provide necessary educational support.
Albanese highlighted the goal of enabling every child to realise their potential, encapsulating the aspirations parents have for their children’s future. He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to ensuring educational equity and excellence.
In a related update, during the conference, Albanese’s official social media account announced: “NEWS: We’ll fully fund every school in Australia.” Additionally, he addressed speculation regarding the upcoming federal election, stating it is scheduled for May but did not disclose further details.