Release type: Media Release

Date:

New upgrade funding for government schools

Ministers:

The Hon Jason Clare MP
Minister for Education

Government schools can now apply for funding of at least $250,000 to build or upgrade vital infrastructure.

Round 2 of the Albanese Government’s Schools Upgrade Fund will provide $215.8 million in funding and be targeted at schools with the greatest need.

This delivers on another election commitment from the Government. The grants can be used for large scale capital works projects such as:

  • building or upgrading facilities, such as art facilities, music rooms, technical and applied studies facilities, sporting facilities;
  • upgrading playground and outdoor learning facilities; and
  • replacing ageing demountable buildings with permanent structures or modern modular teaching spaces.

This builds on the $53.6 million in School Upgrade Funding the Albanese Government has already announced earlier this year.

Government schools with the greatest need will be prioritised – including schools with high numbers of students from a low-socio economic background, First Nations Students, and students with disability and schools which haven’t received significant capital funding in the last two years.

The Government will work with State and Territory education departments to distribute project funding. 

Schools can apply for funding at www.education.gov.au/schools-upgrade-fund.

Applications close 29 February 2024.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“I want all students to get access to a quality education, including access to quality facilities to learn in and play on.

“From upgrading art rooms and tech rooms to new outdoor equipment and replacing demountables, this funding will deliver upgrades to government schools that need it the most. 

“This is another important step in delivering on the Albanese Government’s commitments to build a better and fairer education system.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Education Anthony Chisholm:

“Our schools deserve great infrastructure and quality equipment to help students achieve their best – no matter where they live, or what their background may be.

“To be a smart and innovative nation, we need to ensure that all Australians have the same opportunities and access to a supportive learning environment.

“This is a great outcome and I’m thrilled that we can deliver this funding to much-needed projects at schools across Australia.”