Revolutionizing education in Australia: The better and fairer approach

From the editor’s desk

The Australian education system is at a transformative juncture. With the passage of the Better and Fairer Schools (Funding and Reform) Bill 2024 and a suite of associated reforms, the nation is poised to address entrenched inequities, elevate student outcomes, and redefine its commitment to quality education. These initiatives reflect both an acknowledgment of past inadequacies and a resolve to shape a more inclusive and equitable future for Australian students.

Central to these reforms is the Better and Fairer Schools legislation, which introduces a groundbreaking shift in public school funding. For decades, disparities in funding across states and territories have hindered the ability of many public schools to meet the needs of their students. By amending the Australian Education Act 2013, the bill establishes a minimum Commonwealth contribution of 20% for public schools, with provisions for further increases in jurisdictions participating in the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement (BFSA). This is more than a financial adjustment; it represents a moral commitment to recognizing public education as a cornerstone of an equitable and fair society, emphasizing its importance as a top priority.

The implications of this policy shift are profound. For regions like Western Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory, which have often struggled with underfunding, this new financial framework offers the possibility of transforming educational infrastructure, teacher resources, and student support services. By fully meeting the Schooling Resource Standard, public schools in these areas can finally address the chronic shortfalls that have long disadvantaged their students. When properly implemented, these changes have the potential to break cycles of educational inequity, offering children from all backgrounds the chance to thrive.

However, funding alone cannot address the systemic challenges facing Australian education. The extension of the National School Reform Agreement (NSRA) to the end of 2024 underscores the need for a broader, strategic approach. Focused on improving teacher quality, boosting student engagement, and strengthening school leadership, the NSRA seeks to enhance the core elements that define successful education systems. Some may view these goals as ambitious, but after assessing them they will come to know that these are necessary. Effective teaching is the single most significant in-school factor influencing student achievement, and by investing in professional development and support for educators, Australia is making a direct investment in its future.

One of the most promising aspects of the reforms is their commitment to equity and access, particularly for tertiary education. The 2024–25 Budget includes provisions recommended by the Australian Universities Accord, which aim to reduce financial barriers for students and expand opportunities in underserved areas such as regional and outer suburban communities. These measures address an oftenoverlooked reality: the obstacles to higher education are not merely academic but also deeply economic. For students burdened by cost-of-living pressures, financial relief can mean the difference between pursuing their aspirations and abandoning them. By easing these pressures, the reforms open doors to higher education for those who might otherwise be excluded, paving the way for a more diverse and dynamic workforce.