ACT becomes next jurisdiction to sign Better and Fairer Schools Agreement

Public schools in the Australian Capital Territory will receive more Commonwealth funding following the agreement signed by the Albanese and Barr Governments today.

The ACT has become the fourth state or territory to sign the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement with the Commonwealth, following Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania.

The Agreement ties additional Commonwealth funding to practical reforms which will help ACT students to catch up, keep up and finish school.

The Better and Fairer Schools Agreement commits the Australian Government to increasing its funding to ACT public schools by 2.5 per cent of the School Resourcing Standard (SRS) to reach 22.5 per cent in 2026.

The Commonwealth will contribute an extra $110.5 million to ACT public schools from 2025 to 2029, with more than $1 billion total funding being provided to ACT public schools across the five years.

Public schools in the ACT currently receive on average 100 per cent of the SRS as the Commonwealth contributes 20 per cent and the ACT contributes 80 per cent.

The Australian Government’s funding increase is conditional on the ACT maintaining its funding share for public schools at a minimum of 80 per cent of the SRS.

The ACT Bilateral Agreement signed today will tie additional Commonwealth funding to reforms in the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement and the ACT National Reform Directions, including:

• Year 1 phonics and early years numeracy checks to identify students in the early years of school who need additional help.
• Whole of school systems of supports and assessment tools that will enable targeted support to students and schools that need it most, including through small-group or catch-up tutoring to help students who fall behind.
• Initiatives that support wellbeing for learning – including new approaches to addressing bullying and supporting complex behaviours.
• Working with schools, communities and services providers to provide students with access to community coordinators and multi-disciplinary services. 
• Exploring ways to expand flexible education offerings to support students who need additional support to engage with learning.
• Delivering Literacy and Numeracy coaching services, professional learning initiatives and access to quality assured curriculum resources for teachers across ACT public schools.
• Initiatives to strengthen teacher and school leader wellbeing, with focus on teacher workload reduction and workforce attraction and retention.

The ACT Bilateral Agreement can be accessed here. The BFSA Heads of Agreement can be accessed here.

The Commonwealth is continuing to work with remaining states to get all public schools on a path to 100 per cent of the SRS.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“This is an important day for public education in the ACT.

“This agreement means that Commonwealth funding for ACT public schools will increase by an estimated $110.5 million over the next 5 years.

“This is great news for ACT students, families, teachers and school communities, and is an important step in building a better and fairer education system.”

Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for Education and Youth Affairs Yvette Berry:

“The ACT Government is committed to setting our children and young people up for success through a high-quality public education system.

“This agreement delivers extra funding for evidence-based literacy and numeracy teaching, more school psychologists and mental health professionals, investment in principal wellbeing and teacher workload reduction initiatives, and more funding for flexible education offerings to ensure all students can thrive at school.

“This funding boost will mean extra resources are directed where they are needed most to ensure ACT public schools continue to be great places for students to learn, and great places for staff to work.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for the ACT Katy Gallagher:

“High-quality education is the single most important factor in setting the next generation of Canberrans up for success. 

“The Albanese Government knows this, which is why we are delivering over a hundred million dollars in additional funding to ensure better, fairer public schools here in the ACT.”  

Quotes attributable to Member for Fenner Dr Andrew Leigh:

“Every child deserves a great education, no matter where they live or their circumstances. This agreement is the extra credit ACT students need to excel.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bean David Smith:

“This is a good day for local schools in my electorate. The agreement signed today will provide much needed additional funding and support for our students and teachers, including reforms that will drive better learning outcomes for our local students, this is something I know parents and the community will welcome.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Canberra Alicia Payne:

“I’m proud to be part of a Labor Government which prioritises and values public education. Every child in Australia has the right to a quality education, and this will help boost our schools right here in Canberra to provide the best education possible.

“I’m a proud graduate of ACT public schools and now my son is attending his local public school and having a great experience. But our wonderful public school teachers need to be properly supported and resourced to continue delivering the best education to Canberra.

“This agreement is about exactly that - ensuring ACT schools will be funded so the next generations of Canberrans will be able to reach their potential.”