The Australian Education Union Victorian branch is calling on the Allan Labor government not to break its promise and to reverse its decision to delay its commitment to fully fund public schools by 2031, labelling the decision a disaster for public education.
A report on ABC’s 7.30 last night highlighted the concerns of school staff in Melbourne’s outer suburbs, which are echoed statewide, with funding delays denying students what they need to thrive and having a negative impact on principals, teachers, and education support staff alike.
It was confirmed in last week’s state budget that the Allan Labor government planned to break their promise to deliver Victoria’s contribution to properly fund public schools by delaying their share for three years to 2031, cutting funding by billions of dollars.
“Victoria’s public schools are the lowest funded in the country,” said AEU Victorian Branch president Justin Mullaly.
“Last night’s ABC 7.30 program clearly shows how inadequate funding means schools do not have the resources and staffing they need leading to learning inequality.”
“Without full funding delivered in a fair and timely way, it is being denied to students and it will be much harder for public school teachers, education support staff and principals to effectively meet the learning and wellbeing needs of students.
“Beyond needing to explain to Victorian public school staff, students, and families why they are not worth the investment compared to other states and territories, the Premier and Education Minister need to fix this mess and ensure our schools are properly and fairly funded.
“Full SRS funding would provide more support to Victorian public school students and help them reach their full potential. It would also mean schools would be properly equipped to deal the ongoing teacher shortages by being able to better retain existing staff and attract the next generation to the profession.
“With full funding schools would be able to employ more teachers and education support staff and reduce class sizes to ensure every student gets more individual attention.
“Victoria’s teachers are the lowest paid in Australia, and when you don’t pay teachers properly it means you are under valuing principals and education support staff as well.
“This funding situation is unacceptable and requires urgent action from both levels of government.
“By delaying funding, the Allan Labor Government and the re-elected Albanese Labor Government are failing Victoria’s students,” Mr Mullaly said.
Media contact: Will Brewster – 0458 809 472
27 May 2025