“There is no need for new reports and audits into school funding,” says Council President, Vivienne Pearce. “A non-politically aligned, expert panel has already spent 2 years and reviewed over 7000 written submissions in examining the question of educational funding. That was the Gonski review. Simply, its findings now need backing and commitment.”

Reports released by the Government’s Commission of Audit and the Centre for Independent Studies both suggest cuts to education. 

Ms Pearce says: “Parents are very worried about this suggestion. It is important not to let these other reports distract us from the careful work carried out by the Gonski panel.”

Crucially, both reports fail to address a central issue in education: inequality is high and increasing.

“The Gonski funding model provided targeted, needs-based funding, so that more resources are given to where they are needed most - to our most disadvantaged students. We don't want to see a repeat of the last decade where private schools enjoyed twice the government funding increase of those in the public system’” says Ms Pearce.

“This is important for the nation, not something on a wish list.”

“Higher levels of education are associated with almost every positive life outcome—improved employment, earnings, health, longevity, successful parenting, civic participation and social cohesion. We have to make sure that this is extended to all Australians.”

“We call on state and territory leaders to use today’s Council of Australian Governments meeting to put pressure on Tony Abbott to fully back the Gonski plan and honour agreements already made with jurisdictions like the ACT. Gonski needs to be back on the agenda.”

May 2, 2014