Victorian President's Report

The Allan Labor Government handed down the state budget yesterday, outlining a series of pledges aimed at addressing cost-of-living pressures for families. This year’s budget highlights investment in health, transport infrastructure and early childhood education. Within the education portfolio, a key focus is investment in primary school programs and instruction, particularly in the early years and ongoing commitment to supporting the Disability Inclusion reforms. However, the broader education sector has seen minimal change, with reductions to initiatives such as the School Savings Bonus and programs such as the Tutor Learning Initiative. The budget’s key elements as they pertain to education, are outlined in this edition. 

On the matter of funding, the Victorian Government secured agreement with the federal government to fully fund public schools to the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) by 2028. This deal increases the Commonwealth’s contribution from 20% to 25%, aligning with Victoria’s commitment to cover the remaining 75%.  However, there have been concerns regarding the immediate allocation of these funds. Reports in The Age* suggest that the Victorian Government delayed its commitment to the Gonski education reforms by three years, resulting in a $2.4 billion shortfall in school budgets and not meeting the benchmark until 2031. Victorian schools deserve equitable funding now—not down the track.

*(The Age:  Victoria secretly slices $2.4b from public schools, delays funding promise, Chip Le Grand, 12 May 2025)