Australia (Commonwealth)_The Australian Education Union (AEU) has launched the ‘For Every Child’ campaign, aiming to secure full funding for all public schools to 100% of the School Resourcing Standard (SRS) within the next five years. The goal is to reduce class sizes, increase one-on-one support for students, and provide more time and assistance for our hardworking teachers.
We believe that funding public schools at 100% of the SRS is the key to unlocking the potential of every child and ensuring a bright future for our nation. This campaign is not just about supporting our students; it is about supporting our educators and investing in the well-being of our entire school community.
The ‘Investing in Australia’s Future’ plan is a comprehensive blueprint highlighting the urgent need for additional funding and how it should be wisely invested to uplift outcomes and bridge the achievement gaps among students from different backgrounds. The plan is based on the results of a national survey involving 7,808 teachers, principals, and support staff. The survey uncovered the extent of staffing shortages across our school system and the rising workloads that are taking a toll on our teachers’ physical and mental health.
In recent years, 90% of principals reported teacher shortages, nearly double the number from three years ago. These shortages are predominantly driven by escalating workloads, burnout, and related well-being issues. We must address these concerns to retain our dedicated educators and ensure the stability and continuity of our education system.
The teachers are the backbone of the education system, but they face challenges that hinder their commitment to the profession. Two-thirds of teachers surveyed reported an increase in their workload over the past year, and less than one in five are willing to teach until retirement. Additionally, we are concerned about the aging teacher workforce, with data from 2020 revealing that over 38% of registered teachers are aged 50 years and older. We must provide adequate support and incentives to attract and retain passionate educators.
Moreover, the survey highlighted the importance of supporting student and teacher well-being within our schools. Over 70% of principals reported a decline in student well-being in the past year. We firmly believe that fostering a positive and supportive environment in our schools is essential for the holistic development of our students.
Equally important is addressing the resourcing needs of our schools. Almost 90% of principals have had to redirect funding from other areas of their school budget, such as maintenance, due to the lack of funding for students with disabilities, whose numbers have increased by 29% since 2015. By fully funding public schools, we can ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The teachers have spoken clearly about the factors that would help them improve student outcomes. They cited the need for additional support for students with disabilities or behavioral issues, more time for lesson planning, more classroom assistance, and smaller class sizes. It is our collective responsibility to provide these necessary resources and support systems to enable our educators to deliver the best education possible.
We are heartened to see the Independent Schools Australia (ISA) backing our calls for better funding for all schools. Our shared challenges, such as addressing workforce issues, supporting well-being, and improving outcomes for disadvantaged and at-risk students, require a collaborative effort across school sectors and governments. Together, we can find solutions and improve our education system for the benefit of all Australian families.
Independent schools not only offer choice and quality education to a diverse range of families and communities but also provide valuable insights and evidence that can help inform our broader education policies.
As the AEU meets with federal politicians in Canberra, we call for clarity regarding the funding commitments made by the Albanese Government. We welcome this commitment, but we need a clear timetable to achieve full funding of public schools by 2028. Additionally, we advocate for a permanent Commonwealth capital works fundfor public schools to match the one available for private schools.
