Opened the debate
Burnell argued that the agreement addresses long-standing funding imbalances by providing an additional $16.5 billion to public schools over the next decade, followed by $50 billion in the subsequent decade. Burnell stated that early indicators show recovery in student attendance rates, which had previously fallen from 93 per cent to 86 per cent, and an increase in high school completions. Burnell highlighted that teacher education enrolments have risen for three consecutive years after a significant decline. Burnell emphasised that the agreement ties funding to evidence-based reforms, including early literacy and numeracy checks and targeted support for students. Burnell noted that the agreement includes national targets for improving academic results, attendance, and wellbeing, particularly for disadvantaged groups.