Review of School Funding

The Australian Government has undertaken a Review of Funding for Schooling. The Review was wide-ranging, covering all schools and all sources of funding.

In February 2012 the Review of Funding Expert Panel, headed by David Gonski, reported its findings to the Australian Government. The Australian Government provided a formal response to the Report and has introduced the Australian Education Bill 2012 into Federal Parliament.

On Thursday 11 April 2013, Mr Bill Daniels, Executive Director, ISCA, provided an update to member schools on the progress of the proposed changes to government funding arrangements. Mr Daniel's presentation is available below.

The AISSA has developed a video to assist member schools inform their school communities about the key issues which remain in relation to the Australian Government’s response to the Gonski Report. The AISSA remains concerned that with the new arrangements scheduled to commence from January 2014, member schools still have little detail on the changes and the level of funding they can expect to receive. The video can be accessed via the following sites:

• The AISSA Campaign for Fair Funding of Independent Schools Facebook page which can be accessed by visiting Facebook at http://www.facebook.com and searching for Campaign for Fair Funding of Independent Schools. Note you must have a Facebook account to view this page.
• The AISSA You Tube Page at: https://www.youtube.com/user/IndependentSchoolsSA?feature=mhee.  

Information about contacting members of parliament is available in the attached document.

Information about candidates for both State and Federal elections is available on Party websites.

The AISSA is seeking answers to the attached questions as a matter of urgency.

On Monday 3 September the Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard, outlined the Australian Government's response to the Gonski Report. Further information on the Australian Government's response is available on the Better Schools website. 

The AISSA released the following media statement in response to the announcement.

The AISSA Board has considered the Final Report of the Review of Funding for Schooling. The attached document outlines the Board's position for member schools.

The AISSA has identified its vision for Australian schooling and the principles and underpinning values which should form the basis for government funding policies of Australian not-for-profit non-systemic and system schools and authorities.

Vision

All children and young people have access to a choice of high quality care and education opportunities.

Overarching Principles

Parental Choice, Supporting Excellence, Supporting Independence and Diversity, Equitable Access, Funding Certainty, Effectiveness, Accountability to Government

The Review has sought feedback on a range of areas including recurrent, targeted and capital funding. The AISSA has provided feedback on the key issues for the SA Independent school sector.