The head of Catholic education in Cootamundra has welcomed the federal government’s new funding deal for non-government schools.
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Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan announced last week that the federal government would change the way parents’ wealth is assessed.
The new assessments would affect per-student funding rates for Catholic and independent schools, costing about $3.5 billion over the next 10 years.
There will also be an extra $1.2b in discretionary funding for private schools.
Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Catholic education director Ross Fox said the federal government had recognised the needs of families who choose a Catholic school.
“I thank Mr Tehan and Prime Minister Scott Morrison for listening to the concerns of Catholic educators, for understanding the impact the old model would have in driving up fees and for acting to ensure Catholic schools can remain affordable for families,” Mr Fox said.
“The funding arrangements announced last year by the Turnbull Government threatened the future of Catholic schools, in particular in the ACT and regional areas.
“This additional needs-based funding will assist Catholic schools to remain affordable for families.”
According to the myschools website, Cootamundra’s Catholic school, Sacred Heart Central, had 286 student enrollments in 2017 across its primary to year 10 classes.
In 2016, Sacred Heart collected $10,111 in recurring federal government funding per student and $2205 per student in fees, charges and parent contributions.
NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes has opposed the funding offer on “principle”, saying he would not sign any deal that didn't treat every student and every school with fairness.
"We are the Gonski State. Quite simply, I won't be signing any deal that doesn't treat every student and every school with fairness,” he said.