The Australian Education Union Victorian Branch has branded the delay in funding for public schools from the Victorian and Commonwealth governments a disaster.
As reported in today’s The Age, the Allan Labor government has failed to honour their commitment to delivering the state’s contribution to fully fund public schools by delaying their share for three years to 2031.
“Victoria’s public schools are the lowest funded in the country,” said AEU Victorian Branch president Justin Mullaly.
“Without full funding delivered in a fair and timely way, it will be much harder for teachers, education support staff, and principals to properly and effectively meet the learning and wellbeing needs of students.
“The state Labor government likes to call Victoria the ‘education state’, but with billions of dollars of missing funding, every other state and territory are deserving of that mantle instead of Victoria.
“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 funded properly and fairly.
“We should only accept the Victorian and Commonwealth governments delivering a bilateral agreement that delivers full funding in a meaningful and timely way, and not pushed out into a timeframe that means the resources AEU members and their students need continue to be delayed.
“With full funding, Victorian public school students would have more support to achieve their full potential.
“Schools would be able to employ more teachers and education support staff, reduce class sizes, boost wellbeing programs, and ensure every student gets more individual attention.
“It would be easier to attract and retain school staff and better address teacher shortages, as well as help tackle excessive school staff workloads.
“This is an unacceptable situation that 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: Chris Arnott – 0452 616 737
12 May 2025