Australia’s educational landscape has seen a significant shift with Queensland agreeing to a landmark deal that promises a fully-funded public education for all students. This new agreement will direct an additional $2.8 billion in federal funding to the state’s public schools over the next decade.
The decision comes after months of deliberations, ending Queensland’s position as the last state to strike such a deal.
With this new funding, the federal government has committed to raising its share of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS)—the estimate of public funding required by schools to meet student needs—from 20% to 25% by 2034.
Queensland’s participation in this arrangement ensures that every Australian student will have access to the resources necessary for a quality public education.
Impact on Education Standards and Equity
The agreement holds particular significance for Queensland’s most vulnerable student populations. Public schools in the state serve a substantial number of socially disadvantaged students, including those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
According to the Queensland Association of State School Principals, this influx of funding is expected to address educational gaps and deliver critical support tailored to the needs of these groups.
Debbie Hansen, acting president of the Queensland Association of State School Principals, emphasised that the deal would provide essential resources to create a more equitable educational system.
“We know that when we have functioning students and students who are successful it means that we have a healthy nation, both economically and educationally,” Hansen stated. These reforms aim to reduce the achievement gap, especially in underfunded schools, while boosting the overall quality of education across the state.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese heralded the deal as a game-changer, describing it as “intergenerational reform” that would make an “incredible difference.” He stressed that the reforms would enable every parent to have confidence in the educational support their child will receive, regardless of which school they attend.
Nationwide Reforms Tied to Funding Increases
The Queensland agreement is part of a broader initiative that has already seen similar deals made with other Australian states. In 2024, agreements were struck with Western Australia and Tasmania to boost federal contributions to 22.5%, while the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory had already signed similar agreements.
More recently, states like New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia also negotiated higher federal funding, bringing the Commonwealth’s share to 25%.
As well as increased funding, these deals are tied to educational reforms aimed at raising standards across the country.
In addition to catch-up tutoring and wellbeing initiatives, Queensland’s deal will fund support systems tailored to individual student needs. This ensures that the benefits of the funding boost will extend beyond financial support to structural improvements in education.
The deal’s significance cannot be overstated, as it is set to shape Australia’s educational future, reinforcing the commitment to equal opportunities and raising the standard of public education for generations to come.
