Treasurer Dominic Perrottet joined Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Education Minister Rob Stokes at Seven Hills North Public School to announce that a school funding agreement had been reached with the federal government and that the NSW Government would fund an additional $6.4 billion to 2027 for schools across the State from next year, bringing the State’s total investment to $148 billion for government and non-government schools.
NSW schools will receive more than $226 billion to 2027. The deal ensures that Catholic and independent schools across the State will receive their additional funding promised recently by the federal government.
The record funding boost by the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government also includes an additional $712 million in a NSW Equity Fund for government schools – to complement the federal government’s $1.2 billion Choice and Affordability Fund – to ensure all students are treated fairly, no matter where they go to school.
“This is an historic day for NSW setting up our students for a stronger, better future,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Every child, no matter where they live, their family’s circumstances or the school they attend, must be given every opportunity to be their best.
“This extra funding will go to those students who need it most and will allow them to thrive at school.”
Mr Stokes said that the agreement ensures all schools are funded fairly, with the NSW Government stepping in to provide additional funding for public education.
“Today’s announcement means all our government, Catholic and independent schools across NSW now have funding certainty for 2019 and beyond,” Mr Stokes said.
“We urged the federal government to provide fair funding through their Choice and Affordability fund to every school in NSW.
“In the absence of this, the NSW Government has stepped in to provide additional funding to government schools to ensure this historic funding agreement treats all NSW students fairly.”
Mr Perrottet said the NSW Liberals & Nationals’ strong economic management meant this unprecedented investment in the State’s schools was possible.
“It is only because we manage the State’s finances well that this government can make significant investments in the things that matter most – like better opportunities for our children.
“While we have the capacity to build record numbers of new schools across the State, Labor are only able to talk about the projects they would cancel.”