Public school financial shortfalls could be widening the achievement gap, new figures show. 

Despite an existing funding agreement stipulating that the federal government contributes 20 per cent and state and territory governments 80 per cent towards educational funding, public schools are left wanting, according to the Australian Education Union (AEU).

The union has called on the federal government to bridge the gap by spending an estimated extra $4.5 billion annually.

It says that, except the ACT, no state or territory has successfully met these targets, leaving around 98.7 per cent of public schools underfunded. 

By contrast, 100 per cent of independent schools meet the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS), the benchmark deemed necessary for fulfilling student educational needs.

An official report unveiled in December, pivotal for upcoming governmental negotiations, highlighted the growing divide within Australian education. 

It has been reported that rich, urban, private-school students are benefiting from ample funding and resources, while their public school counterparts face challenges in securing even the most basic necessities, especially in more remote areas.

The AEU’s analysis outlines a concerning trend, with public schools in Queensland and Victoria slated to receive 9.5 per cent less funding than the SRS recommends in 2024. 

This funding disparity extends across the country, with the Northern Territory’s public schools facing a stark 41 per cent shortfall.

Canberra-based educator and author Tom Greenwell suggests that while states have consistently missed funding targets for a decade, the federal government, having greater revenue-raising capacity, should step in to address the imbalance. 

Education Minister Jason Clare’s office has acknowledged a $2.8 billion annual discrepancy, yet insists on linking any additional funding to the attainment of school improvement targets.

Amidst these discussions, the Productivity Commission has criticised the lack of progress in the educational sector despite significant funding injections over the past decade. Interestingly, despite a 32 per cent increase in government spending over ten years, there has been no marked improvement in student reading abilities.

As the federal government and states negotiate new agreements for post-2024 funding, the spotlight is on ensuring equitable education opportunities for all Australian children. 

With only 1.3 per cent of public schools currently meeting the SRS, and the Union pushing for increased federal contributions, the coming year could be pivotal in shaping the future of Australia’s education system.