Gonski reforms require appropriate Federal funding

Education Minister Grace Grace said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to providing all Queensland students with a great start.

“The Gonski Report, released today, recommends significant reforms to improve educational excellence in Australian schools to provide every student with world-leading educational outcomes,” Ms Grace said.

“Any report which talks about assisting students to achieve their full educational potential is certainly worth discussing, not only in Queensland but also at a national level.

“I look forward to studying the report in greater detail over the next few days to understand what it could mean for Queensland students, teachers and school communities.

“We are certainly open to looking at other models because we want the best start and outcomes for all Queensland students.

“It should be noted that the Federal Government does not provide one classroom, one teacher or one school – state and territory governments are the majority funders of public schools.

“So, any genuine reform initiative will need to be supported with the appropriate Federal funding arrangements.”

Ms Grace said the Palaszczuk Government would advocate to ensure no Queensland student is disadvantaged.

“Queensland, along with all the states and territories, will have an opportunity to discuss the Gonski findings on a national level at the special Education Council meeting in Adelaide on Friday,” she said.

“Delivering a world-class education for Queensland students is a top priority for our Government and we want to ensure that any changes to education serve the best interests of our state students to reach their full potential and arrest the decline in our world standing.”

Ms Grace said the Palaszczuk Queensland was already delivering a number of major educational reforms which align to the Gonski Report.

“We are introducing a new senior assessment and tertiary entrance system and are ensuring all schools are independently and externally reviewed by experienced principals every four years,” she said.

“I also note the Gonski Report recommends improved career pathways for high quality teachers to remain in the classroom, which is something that the Palaszczuk Government is already exploring.

“Provision of universal education is staff-intensive and any reform in this area will have resourcing implications.

“So, the Turnbull Government must listen to the States, rather than unilaterally impose any additional education reforms.”

Ms Grace said the Palaszczuk Government was delivering a record Education Budget of $13 billion in 2017-18.

Media contact: Emma Clarey – 0439 578 472