The recently unveiled 2025-26 Australian Budget introduces significant changes aimed at enhancing the nation’s education system. This article breaks down the key funding allocations, the implications of the Gonski agreement, and the specific impacts on Queensland schools, providing a clear understanding for educators, parents, and stakeholders.

Key Funding Allocations in the 2025-26 Budget

The government has committed substantial resources to education in this budget:

• $407.5 Million Over Four Years: Allocated from 2025-26 to jurisdictions that have signed the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement (Full and Fair Funding 2025–2034). This funding aims to ensure that all Australian public schools are on a trajectory toward full and fair funding. 
• $7.2 Billion from 2029-30 to 2035-36:Further funding designated for jurisdictions under the same agreement, reinforcing the government’s commitment to equitable education funding.

These investments are designed to address disparities and promote fairness across all schooling sectors.

Understanding the Gonski Agreement

The Gonski Review, initiated in 2011 by David Gonski, aimed to establish a needs-based funding model to provide every child with equal educational opportunities. Now, after 14 years of false starts, his model will finally be implemented. The 2025-26 Budget marks a pivotal moment, as the government moves to implement Gonski’s vision fully. David Gonski himself expressed satisfaction with this development, emphasising the importance of equitable funding in addressing educational challenges. 

“It’s very, very pleasing,” Mr Gonski said in a rare interview with ABC News.

“I still believe that what we said [in 2011] was right. Back then it was obvious — and it’s still apparent today — that the schools with the biggest challenges are usually the furthest behind in funding.”

Impact on Queensland Schools

Queensland has recently joined the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, becoming the final state to do so in Australia. This agreement secures an additional $2.8 billion in funding over the next decade for Queensland’s public schools, ensuring they receive 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) – an estimate of how much total public funding a school needs to meet its students’ educational needs. This funding boost is expected to enhance literacy and numeracy outcomes and improve school completion rates across the state. 

What This Means for Educators and Parents

For teachers, this increased funding could translate into more resources, professional development opportunities, and better support within the classroom. Schools may benefit from improved facilities and additional programs tailored to student needs. Parents can anticipate a more equitable education system where resources are allocated based on student requirements, potentially leading to enhanced educational outcomes for their children.

“One of the things that came to me very clearly when we did the report was that if you can educate somebody, not only can you change their life, but in turn, by making them more productive and making them happier etc, you can actually change the life of a community — so it’s a win-win.”

— David Gonski (Interviewed by ABC News)

Conclusion

The 2025-26 Australian Budget represents a significant step toward fulfilling the long-standing goal of equitable education funding as envisioned by the Gonski Review. With substantial investments and nationwide agreements, particularly the recent inclusion of Queensland, the future looks promising for Australia’s education sector. These developments hold the potential to positively impact teachers, students, and parents, fostering a more inclusive and effective educational landscape.