Half a billion dollar investment into student wellbeing

The Albanese Government is investing $203.7 million this year to help young people in every single school across the country through the rollout of the Student Wellbeing Boost.

As part of the Boost, every school in Australia will benefit. On average each school will get $20,000 depending on its need and size.

The Boost will provide:

• $192 million in additional one-off funding to every school to support their students’ mental health and wellbeing, with schools receiving on average $20,000 for use in the 2023 school year.
• $10.8 million for a new voluntary mental health check tool to enable schools to ensure students get the support they need.

In addition to the Boost, all Australian Education Ministers have signed a new five-year $307.18 million Federation Funding Agreement to deliver the National Student Wellbeing Program.

The Agreement gives schools greater flexibility to decide what’s best to support the wellbeing of their students and communities.

Schools across the nation now have the option to choose a qualified Student Wellbeing Officer or Chaplain to promote student wellbeing.

The Boost and National Student Wellbeing Program Agreement represent a half a billion-dollar investment into improving the wellbeing of Australia’s students.

States and Territories will continue to manage the National Student Wellbeing Program, which includes approving applications to engage Student Wellbeing Officers or Chaplains.

Student Wellbeing Officers and Chaplains will focus on supporting students and the broader school community through delivering pastoral care services and other support services such as breakfast clubs, excursions, volunteering activities and parent/carer workshops.

In consultation with the school community and educators, they will help promote safe and inclusive school communities, where all people are respected. They must respect and accept a student’s views, values and beliefs.

Participation in the program remains voluntary for schools and students.

Comment attributable to Minister for Education, the Hon Jason Clare MP:

“COVID and lockdowns have had a massive impact on the mental health of Aussie students.

“That’s why we are making significant investments into supporting the wellbeing of students right across the country.

“Good mental health and wellbeing have a significant impact on young people’s engagement with education and their learning outcomes.

“This is particularly important as students return to regular face-to-face classroom learning after two years of disruption due to COVID-19.”

Comment attributable to Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, the Hon Emma McBride MP:

“We know that early intervention and support is key to promoting positive mental health and that young people face their own unique challenges.

“Today’s announcement is about making sure that we give our kids the very best chance to succeed in both their personal and educational development.

“It’s been a tough two years for students and the Albanese Government has a plan to help them bounce back from the pandemic.

“This announcement will mean students get the crucial support to succeed at home and in the classroom.”

More information is available at National Student Wellbeing Program (NSWP) - Department of Education, Australian Government