PRESS RELEASE

JUNE 20, 2017

SENATE SHOULD CONSIDER IMPACT ON FAMILIES WHEN DECIDING SCHOOL FUNDING

Non-government school parents are urging the Senate to consider the impact on families when deciding the future of school funding. Any changes need to take into account the effect on family budgets according to the Australian Parents Council (APC).

“Many parents and carers have budgeted long term to enable them to invest in their child’s education in the non government sector and families need this predictability to ensure they can meet that commitment,” said former APC President, Shelley Hill.

“Funding cuts that have been predicted in some schools and sectors, will inevitably lead to fee rises and put significant pressure on family budgets, and a question mark over whether parents can continue to afford their choice of school for their child.”

“Parents currently sending their children to non-government schools have taken on a financial commitment for up to 12 years per child, and this needs to be taken into consideration.”

While the Australian Parents Council supports a fair, sector blind and transparent funding model for all schools, if a new funding model is introduced the government must set a realistic time frame for transition, and ensure there is money set aside to assist schools transitioning to any new system.

“Roughly 50% of children go to non-government high schools, so change is likely to impact half the families in Australia.” said Shelley Hill.

Funding stability is also key to school choice for parents. “We all want to give children the very best opportunity. School choice underpins a wonderful school system in Australia, and is valued highly by Australian parents.

“If we want to preserve this choice of education for our children, and all the benefits it brings, any transition needs to be smooth and take into account the effect on family budgets. There is no doubt that this is in the best interests of our kids, parents and carers, schools and school systems,” said Shelley Hill.

For comment and media interviews: Shelley Hill, former Australian Parents Council President.

Read Press Release: SENATE SHOULD CONSIDER IMPACT ON FAMILIES WHEN DECIDING SCHOOL FUNDING