Education funding to be restored for regional schools

Labor will deliver extra funding for every public school under plans to restore funding cuts to education made by the government over the last few budgets.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Education and Training, Tanya Plibersek, recently announced Labor will provide an extra $14 billion for public schools to deliver the biggest school investment in Australian history.

“Over the last five years all the Liberals have done is attack public schools and slash their funding,” Ms Plibersek said.

“Scott Morrison doesn’t think 2.5 million students in the public school system deserve fair funding,and thinks he can get away with cuts.

“Our extra investment will transform public schools across Australia and give all children the opportunity to reach their full potential, no matter where they live, or how much their parents earn,” she said.

“This will have a significant effect on the schools around this area,” Riverina Labor candidate Mark Jeffreson said.

Funding will include $320,000 for Cootamundra Public School, $460,000 for Cootamundra High, $220,000 for Murrumburrah Public School, $190,000 for Murrumburrah High, $640,000 for Young Public School and $950,000 for Young High. 

The funding will give principals and school committees discretion to spend it on what they need.

“This is great news for regional schools,” said Mr Jeffreson.

“A lot of capacity will be restored to give students the even break they need with their counterparts in the city.”

“It’s very difficult to run a regional school, as a lot of resources are devoted to the city and private schools. Regional public schools have really battled over the past four or five years. This will help them educate our children better,” he said.