Long-term agreement to fully fund Victorian public schools

The Albanese and Carroll Labor Governments have today signed a long-term agreement to fully and fairly fund Victorian public schools.

This will lift the Commonwealth’s contribution from 20 per cent to 25 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard by 2034 — the biggest new investment in Victorian public schools by the Australian Government ever.

Under the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, the Commonwealth will provide $3.5 billion in additional funding to Victorian public schools over the next decade.

The funding will support more individualised student support, evidence-based teaching practices that are already working in Victoria, and ongoing mental health support in schools.

This agreement delivers over $13 billion of additional Victorian Government funding for public schooling above the level of expenditure in 2026.

This includes an additional $4.9 billion investment to increase Victoria’s share to 75% of the Schooling Resource Standard. 

The Victorian Bilateral Agreement ties this funding to reforms that help students catch up, keep up and finish school, including:

• A Year 1 phonics check and Year 1 numeracy check to catch students falling behind;
• Individualised learning support such as small group learning;
• Reforms that support children’s wellbeing for learning;
• Initiatives to reduce workload so teachers and school leaders spend more time on teaching; and
• Improving teacher recruitment and retention.

The Albanese Government now has long-term bilateral agreements with every state and territory, putting every public school in the country on a path to full and fair funding.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Labor will always back education because we know it changes lives.

“Every child deserves a great education, no matter where they live or what their circumstances are.

“That’s why we’re investing an additional $3.5 billion in Victoria’s public schools over the next decade.

“This is about opening the doors of opportunity wider for the next generation and making sure no child is left behind.”

Quotes attributable to Victorian Premier Ben Carroll:

“Every child in the Education State deserves the very best education and that’s what Labor is delivering.

“This agreement means our students can continue to lead the nation in NAPLAN and families can be assured their child’s future is in the best hands.

“Only Labor is backing our teachers and students.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“This is real funding tied to real reforms to help students catch up, keep up and finish school.

“These reforms are already having an impact in Victoria and will continue under this agreement.

“This is not a blank cheque. It is tied to reform.

“It will help every child in Victoria get a great start in life. What every parent wants. And what every child deserves.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Victorian Minister for Education Gabrielle Williams:

“Our priority will always be that every child, no matter their postcode, can access a world-class education in a Victorian public school backed by full and fair funding.

“We will continue to do whatever is necessary for Victorian public schools to be the best in the nation, whilst ensuring our investments are sustainable.”