To make education a priority, make Gonski a priority

The Government needs to make clear the extent to which all public schools will have their funding increased in real terms as part of the Gonski review of school funding, the Australian Greens said today.

Greens spokesperson for Schools, Senator Penny Wright said while the government today during question time stated that education was a critical priority, it is still not clear how funding for all public schools would be increased as part of Gonski.

"If the Government is serious about education being a priority, it has to make Gonski a priority," Senator Wright said.

"We know that our public school system takes the lion's share of students with higher needs, including students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, students with a disability and Indigenous students. We also know that the current funding system is broken and leaving some kids behind.

"The Gonski panel clearly told us that funding must be based on need, and the reality is that it is mainly public schools who struggle because of chronic underfunding.

"The Greens are willing to work with the Government to introduce legislation by the end of this year.

"We owe it to our children - and ourselves - to fix the current inequity and ensure every child has the same opportunity to receive a high-quality education.

"An increased investment in education must mean an increased investment in public education. "