NSW Labor Leader, Michael Daley, has announced today that if Labor is elected this month, NSW public schools will get an extra $2.7 billion worth of Gonski needs-based funding.

A Daley Labor Government will inject $2.7 billion over the life of the current State and Federal funding agreement to become the first state in Australia to deliver 100 per cent of the standard level of funding for every student.

Once implemented it will mean more than $1,500 extra every year for every student in NSW public high schools and more than $1,200 for every public primary school student.

Mr Daley said: “At the heart of the Gonski school funding recommendations is that every child has access to the best possible education. If I become Premier I will make this happen.”

Currently, the NSW Liberals and Nationals are providing just 70.8 per cent of the standard level of funding each student needs, short-changing every NSW public school student.

Even by the end of the agreement in 2027, the Liberals and Nationals (state and federal) will only deliver 95 per cent of the funding every student needs. 

Only a Daley Labor State Government, together with a Shorten Labor Federal Government will deliver 100 per cent of funding by the end of the agreement. 

Shadow Minister for Education Jihad Dib said: “This is the game changer. While politicians talk about giving every single child the best opportunity in education, only the Labor Party will deliver it.

“I know from first-hand experience the difference a fair funding model can make. I am proud of Labor for investing in education like never before.”

The additional $2.7 billion that Labor will provide will ensure every single child, regardless of where they live in the state or their personal circumstances, special needs or skills, will have the best opportunity to succeed in an education system that is properly resourced. 

The funding can be used for a range of measures to improve student learning outcomes, such as:

- Additional literacy teachers;

- Additional numeracy teachers;

- Specialist programs;

- Additional counsellors; and/or

- Personalised student leaning plans.

Mr Daley added: “The Liberals and Nationals are denying each and every public school student hundreds of dollars every year. Labor will right this wrong because Labor will always do better than the Liberals and Nationals when it comes to education.”

This builds on Labor’s previous education commitments, including to:

• Replace 1,000 ageing demountables across the state
• Make TAFE free for courses in skill shortage areas
• Ensure every child can learn a second language
• Allocate $5,000 to P&Cs
• Give free glasses to disadvantaged school kids
• Air condition every school in NSW