March 4, 2025
 

The Australian Secondary Principals' Association (ASPA) welcomes the announcement that the Commonwealth and New South Wales governments have reached a new schools funding agreement, ensuring an additional $4.8 billion for NSW public schools over the next decade.

ASPA President, Andy Mison, said:

"We are relieved and pleased to see NSW and the Commonwealth reach this agreement, providing a significant, desperately needed increase in funding for public schools. While the full benefits will take years to be realised, and we recognise there is still important detail to be finalised within the bilateral agreement, this is a vital step forward."

​

Noting the ongoing negotiations with Queensland, Mr Mison added:

"We strongly encourage Queensland to swiftly follow suit and join this national funding agreement. Every state and territory needs this certainty to adequately support their schools, students, and educators."
 

ASPA acknowledges the clear expectations around accountability and specific educational reforms outlined within the new agreement, such as improved literacy and numeracy checks, targeted mental health support, and enhanced teacher training initiatives.

​

Mr Mison emphasised the importance of involving school leaders in the implementation phase:

"Principals must be genuinely consulted by federal, state, and territory governments and their education departments on the timing, pacing, and resourcing required to deliver on the ambitious initiatives embedded in this agreement. The next step must be a genuine partnership with educators if we are to realise the intended benefits of this funding."
 

ASPA also cautions that ongoing disagreements over funding methodologies and regulatory frameworks must be addressed to ensure a fairer, more equitable education system for all Australian students.​

Mison said:

"We must move beyond the ongoing funding wars and start a new national conversation about a fair, common, and transparent distribution methodology and regulatory framework for all schools. Currently, publicly-funded non-government schools enjoy significant funding and regulatory advantages over public schools, including uncapped fee setting, selective enrolment, and the ability to expel students, as well as rules that allow profits from taxpayer funding alone."

​

He concluded:

"As funding models shift towards a genuinely needs-based distribution, governments must also commit to reviewing and aligning accountability and regulatory requirements across all education sectors—not just public schools. Our goal must be a fair and equitable system that genuinely supports every Australian student to succeed."

 

Media enquiries: Andy Mison 0400 202 088