Education

Soon argued that the government’s Better and Fairer Schools Agreement delivers $20 billion over ten years and an additional $50 billion in the following decade to fully fund all schools. Soon noted that schools in her electorate have seen funding increases of up to 30 per cent, benefiting both government and non-government sectors. Soon rejected the notion that funding is a zero-sum game, stating that the previous coalition agreement lacked academic targets and reforms for disadvantaged students. Soon asserted that the current government is putting more than two dollars back for every dollar previously removed from the public system.

Birrell supported the motion, stating that education funding should be needs-based and sector-neutral, recognising the vital role of diverse school types. Birrell argued that rhetoric labelling non-government school families as privileged is inaccurate, noting that many are hardworking Australians making financial sacrifices. Birrell highlighted the challenges faced by regional students, including workforce shortages and limited subject choices, and emphasised that low-cost non-government schools relieve pressure on public systems. Birrell called for funding certainty and targeted support for regional and remote education.

Burnell argued that the government is completing the Gonski reforms by putting every public school on a path to full funding through the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement. Burnell highlighted investments in teacher training, scholarships, and evidence-based reforms such as literacy and numeracy checks to support student outcomes. Burnell criticised the previous coalition government for failing to fully fund public schools outside the Australian Capital Territory and for reducing teaching degree enrolments. Burnell emphasised that a strong public school system is essential for students who do not have the option to choose alternative schooling.

Aldred supported the motion, arguing that parents know their children best and should be trusted to choose schools based on values, safety, and individual needs. Aldred highlighted the diverse contributions of schools in her electorate, including wellbeing programs and specialist support for students with additional needs. Aldred noted that families frequently incur considerable monetary and logistical costs to secure their chosen schooling, and policy should support rather than hinder these decisions. Aldred criticised the loss of Commonwealth funding for a local chaplaincy program, arguing that funding should follow students and recognise community needs.

Jordan-Baird argued that the government is delivering the largest new investment in public schools ever, with $20 billion over ten years to achieve full funding. Jordan-Baird highlighted that funding is tied to reforms including phonics assessments and targeted tutoring to help students catch up. Jordan-Baird noted that teaching degree enrolments had dropped by 22 per cent under the previous government but have since recovered due to new scholarships and paid practical placements. Jordan-Baird emphasised that full funding for public schools is a game-changer for communities in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Rebello supported the motion, rejecting claims that the coalition does not support strong public schools and arguing that the debate is about supporting choice for all families. Rebello stated that many families choose non-government schools through significant budgetary sacrifices, such as taking extra shifts or reducing holidays, rather than out of privilege. Rebello highlighted concerns from school principals about late funding announcements, which create uncertainty for fee structures and planning. Rebello argued that making non-government schools unaffordable would increase pressure on an already strained public system.

Lawrence argued that the government supports choice but rejects a version of choice limited to those who can afford it, advocating instead for fairness in public education. Lawrence highlighted that Western Australia has reached 100 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard through the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, with $161.2 billion in additional Commonwealth investment over the decade. Lawrence emphasised that public schools serve a universal obligation, educating students with disabilities, those learning English, and children from low-income households. Lawrence stated that real choice requires funding the local public school that most families rely upon.