Miles Government backs Queensland kids through record education budget

• Record $20.9 billion education budget puts Queensland kids first.
• More than $1 billion in additional funding to take learning at our state schools to the next level.
• This includes funding to deliver high quality learning environments and spaces that are accessible for students living with disability.
• Provide more than 2000 full time equivalent wrap around services such as physiotherapy, speech pathology and counselling to address Resourcing for Students Living with Disability in State Schools.
• $45.1 million over 3 years to support teachers’ housing costs in regional and remote communities.

The Miles Labor Government knows every Queenslander deserves the opportunity to access education so they can reach their full potential.

That’s why the Government is Putting Queensland Kids First, by allocating more than

$20.9 billion in 2024-25 to deliver the schools, teachers and resources our young Queenslanders need.

The Miles Labor Government has also allocated more than $1 billion in additional funding over five years to improve education in Queensland schools for all students.

The more than $1 billion will deliver better learning environments and more than 2000 teaching support staff and professional resources to help students living with disability learn easier.

This funding will mean students living with disability will have more tailored resources and support.

This comes after the Premier, Deputy Premier and Education Minister also announced the $15 million School and Community Food Relief Program, to ensure kids have the best chance to start each day with a full belly. 

The Miles Labor Government is also committed to ensuring we attract and retain capable and confident teachers in our rural and remote schools.

To deliver this, the Government is providing an additional $45.1 million over 3 years, 2024-25 to 2026-27, to meet increased demand and costs for subsidized teacher accommodation. 

Also, as part of the Putting Queensland Kids First $196.8 million over four years delivering:

• an increase of free kindy hours to 30 hours per week for four-year-olds in discrete communities
• integrated early year services in Aurukun and Kowanyama
• 36 early childhood coordinators
• expanding supported playgroups where children experience vulnerability and disadvantage
• 84 Family Support Coordinators to work with high-needs state primary school children in 219 state primary schools
• 85 behaviour specialists in primary and special schools and
• Trialling health practitioners at 20 high priority primary schools

There will also be $4.9 million over 2 years, 2024-25 to 2025-26, to continue to deliver the Homework Centre programs in school which provides funding for on-site support for students in up to 120 state schools to complete homework outside of school hours.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“The success of Queensland’s kids is the success of Queensland.

“That’s why I am Putting Queensland Kids First this state budget, through a record $20.9 billion education budget.

“My government has already hired more than 2,000 new teacher aides this term, and through this budget we’ll deliver even more supports to Queensland classrooms.

“More teachers, more teacher aides and more teacher supports are on their way  something only a Labor Government I lead will deliver for the families of Queensland.

“A good start in life matters and that’s what I am delivering for Queenslanders.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:

“Queensland Labor Governments always invest in schools, and in the future of our youngest Queenslanders.

“This year’s Budget delivers on that promise with a record $20.9 billion allocated for education in 2024-25, to deliver the best learning experiences anywhere in the country.

“The Budget also includes more than $1 billion to provide more support and better teaching environments for students.

“Only a Miles Labor Government will deliver what matters for Queenslanders now while laying the foundations for the future Queenslanders deserve.”

Quotes attributable to Education Minister Di Farmer:

“We know education is the greatest investment we can make for our state’s future, and the Miles Government is delivering on that in this year’s budget.

“This is about delivering for our hard-working teachers and school staff so they can give young Queenslanders the best education.

“We are also supporting young Queenslanders with record investment for students with disability, vulnerable students and First Nations students living in remote and regional communities to access the best education available no matter where they live.

“And provide the extra support some of our most vulnerable students need to remain engaged with their education."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Seniors and Disability Services Charis Mullen:

“It’s vitally important children and young people with disability get the classroom support they need.

“This is a significant investment, which I know will be welcomed by families and carers across the State.

“And this is what a Miles Labor Government does best - invests in Queenslanders to bring out the best of Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to Peter Russo Member for Toohey:

“I was so pleased to see in the budget $1.3 million to install a new lift and link bridge at Moorooka State School.

“Like many of the older schools in Brisbane accessibility can be challenging and this new lift will make such a huge difference for staff and students with mobility issues.

“Moorooka, like every other school in my community will also welcome the extra funding which will deliver even more resources to assist them deliver the best education for children with disabilities.”

Other Highlights

• $15 million in funding for the School and Community Food Relief Program including $10.7m for the Department of Education to deliver food programs in schools from Term 3, 2024, in addition to the $2m in funding for food programs received in Term 4 2023.
• GPs in Schools Program - $21 million over 4 years for the Department of Education to continue the GPs in Schools Program providing 50 Queensland state schools with secondary-aged students with access to a free primary health care service one-day per week.
• $65.5 million over 3 years for additional projects under the Playgrounds and Tuckshops Program.
• $151 Million for new school projects including a new primary school in Park Ridge and the new secondary school in Collingwood Park, both set to open in 2025.
• $4.9 million over 2 years, 2024-25 to 2025-26, to continue to deliver the Homework Centre programs in schools.  This program provides funding for on-site support for students in up to 120 state schools to complete homework outside of school hour and
• $500 million over 4 years to plan and deliver high-quality learning environments to meet enrolment needs.

ENDS