The Federal Government has convened the first meeting of a new working group tasked with considering the findings and recommendations of the Gonski Review in relation to capital funding for the country’s schools.

 

Parliamentary Secretary for School Education, Senator Jacinta Collins, said state and territory government and non-government school representatives  had begun conversations on how capital funding requirements can be better met.

 

“It is clear our collective efforts should be directed at improving the educational outcomes of all students,” Ms Collins said.

 

“It is important we understand and address capital funding issues and the impact these have on the ability of all Australian school students to maximise their educational attainment.”

The working group will be looking at how best to:

  • include ongoing maintenance and minor capital works in a schooling resource standard
  • ensure infrastructure spending is more transparent; and
  • match infrastructure spending with the needs of schools through planning.

 

The Capital Working Group, made up of both government and non-government school representatives, will report to the Council of Australian Governments through the Standing Council on School Education and Early Childhood.