Gonski will cost extra $18.6 billion; teachers federation appeals new model 'abandons most disadvantaged students'

The new Gonski needs-based standard announced by the Turnbull government last week is expected to cost $18.6 billion in school funding over the next decade. The government also seeks to create an extra 300,000 apprenticeships which will cost $1.5 billion over the next four years.

Treasurer Scott Morrison said the schools funding package means a fairer and simpler way to educate every child. Under the aforementioned program, funding for every student across all sectors will rise at an average of 4.1 percent every year. The changes will involve a substantial shuffling of funds between various school sectors and states.

With the Gonski standard, non-government schools are likely to get a greater share because it relates to federal funding of schools, not state funding. Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham believes the new needs-based funding model will make a difference to both children and teachers, Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Teachers federation reacts

But the NSW Teachers’ Federation doesn’t seem to agree. It argues that public schools will receive less than half of the extra funding planned under the initial agreement.

Regional organiser Ian Watson slams Gonski 2.0, saying the federal government has “effectively abandoned the most disadvantaged schools and their students.” “They are intent on destroying needs-based funding,” he said per Guardian News. Watson also warned that Mid North Coast schools will be millions of dollars worse off with the new policy.

In higher education, universities will be hit with funding cuts through a new 2.5 percent efficiency dividend. The cut means $2.8 billion savings in the federal budget over the next four years.

Student fees will rise by 8 percent, but the government stressed that taxpayer, on average, will contribute 54 percent of university course costs. The reform also requires university graduates to pay their HECS debts as soon as they start to earn $42,000 annually.

In early childhood education and child care, the government will allot 2.5 billion over the forward estimates to subsidise placement for "people working the most and earning the least.” Another $5.9 million will be invested for English Learning for Indigenous Children, an English learning app that aims to boost literacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

For federal MP Luke Hartsuyker, the new plan will result to growing, better targeted funding and evidence-based programs for local schools. “This overall increase in funding is welcome, but I am most pleased that the additional funding will be tied to genuine school reforms going to where it’s needed most,” he said.

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