Catholic schools across Australia had a final reprieve when the federal government and new education Minister Dan Tehan MP announced they would reinstate funding to Catholic and independent schools following the recommendations from the National Schools Resource Board.

New funding will be based on a new PIT (Parent Income Tax) model rather than the current SES model. Use of 2011 or 2016 Census data plus transitioning for funding for some Catholic schools to the SRS will extended from 6 years to 10 years This equates to $3.4 billion over ten years for Catholic schools. 

Prior to the announcement, CSPV wrote to Minister Tehan urging him to continue negotiations with Catholic education directors and come to a decision to provide parents of children in Catholic schools with peace of mind that their schools were no longer in danger of closure or needing to increase school fees.

$135 million of additional funds for Catholic systemic schools nationally for communities in need will also be made available. This funding is particularly important for existing Catholic schools in rural and remote areas of Australia where communities are struggling. Should schools be forced to close in these areas, there would be a flow on impact for many of those small communities. If there is a lack of quality schools and teachers in rural areas, people are less likely to move to these towns. This is at a time when Australia’s major cities are at near capacity and there is a push for decentralisation. Therefore, the government has pledged this fund for schools that require assistance. Catholic School Parents Victoria welcomed this decision to support those schools and communities in need.

New announcements for capital works funding provide families new opportunities in the Education State of Victoria

With the state election being held this month on 24 November each of the major parties are sharing their policies and plans, hoping to gain trust in the parents of children in Catholic schools. In the past few weeks we’ve seen announcements from the Victorian State Government who have pledged $400 million for the upgrading and building of new Catholic and non-government schools over four years, if elected in November. They have also pledged to fast track planning for new Catholic schools to expedite the process in new development areas in Victoria.

Likewise, opposition leader of the Liberal National Party, Matthew Guy pledged to match the government’s announcement of $400million for capital works funding and school upgrades should they be elected in November. In addition, the Liberals and Nationals have said funds from the $400 million will be go towards land purchases for school sites.

The pledges from each of the parties will mean families moving into new development areas in outer Melbourne and Victoria will continue to have the choice of sending their children to Catholic schools. Existing schools will also have the opportunity to apply for grants to upgrade their schools to ensure Catholic school buildings are safe and provide contemporary learning environments for children.

If you have any questions about funding for Catholic schools please email secretary@cspv.catholic.edu.au.