16 June 2023: From the President's desk
Education highlights from the 2023-2024 Queensland State Budget
The 2023-2024 State Budget demonstrates a steadfast dedication to investing in the future of Queensland state schools. The education highlights include the following key initiatives.
- $1.181 billion over 4 years for the delivery of critical educational infrastructure to accommodate enrolment growth in state schools, including school halls and performing arts facilities, strategic land acquisition and new school construction.
- $48.3 million over 4 years for safe and secure teacher housing in regional and remote communities.
- $5 million over 4 years to strengthen local school/industry partnerships and support school-to-work transition, as part of the state government’s total funding package of more than $70 million for new initiatives.
- Increased funding of $645.4 million over 4 years to provide 15 hours of free kindergarten per week for all 4-year-olds from 1 January 2024.
- TAFE Queensland’s capital program includes $4.5 million for the acquisition, replacement and modernisation of training and operational equipment, $5.1 million for the ICT program of work, and $5.6 million for the development of training products and materials to support delivery.
For QTU members, this means:
- increased investment in kindy as an early intervention initiative to assist with school readiness
- a new special school for Logan and major expansion at Springfield SHS
- a $2.1 billion infrastructure investment for Queensland schools in 2023-24
- $100 million for the future of East Brisbane State School
- $48.3 million for teacher housing in rural and remote areas
- $29 million for playground and tuckshop upgrades
- $2.7 million to expand the school breakfast program.
In times of high stakes funding, the QTU welcomes the critical commitment to educational infrastructure. However, it was disappointing to note that there was no additional funding provided to address key issues currently facing the education profession, such as the teacher shortage, workload, and behaviour management.
Next steps
The QTU is committed to protecting the future of our profession and the students we teach. Our advocacy persists, as we continue to call on the government to support schools in gaining the resources necessary to address occupational violence and behaviour management concerns. For our TAFE members, the QTU will continue to lead negotiations for the replacement EB11 agreement. We will also create a revamped and streamlined State Budget Submission, and renew the focus on campaigning via dedicated MP delegations.
Additionally, as you may be aware, the federal government is currently conducting a survey to inform recommendations for the next National School Reform Agreement, which will have a huge impact on school funding in Australia.
To see real change for teachers and students, state schools must be properly and fairly funded. Queensland state school teachers and school leaders have to send a strong message to the Albanese government that it must meet its election commitment of a pathway to 100 per cent of the schooling resource standard for all state schools.
The survey, which is open to both educators and parents of school-aged children, is accessible online here:
https://www.education.gov.au/review-inform-better-and-fairer-education-system/consultations/review-inform-better-and-fairer-education-system-consultation
Cresta Richardson
President
Authorised by Kate Ruttiman, General Secretary, Queensland Teachers' Union
21 Graham Street, Milton, QLD, Australia, 4064