Overview

• Victoria secretly delayed its commitment to reach 75% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) for public schools from 2028 to 2031, creating a $2.4 billion funding gap by 2031.
• The delay also reduces federal funding contributions, leaving Victoria nearly $3 billion short in combined state and federal education funding over the next decade.
• Premier Jacinta Allan denies any funding cuts, claiming the government has increased investments in school infrastructure and education programs.
• Unions and opposition leaders argue the decision entrenches inequities in public school funding and teacher pay, calling for the reversal of the delayed timeline.
• Victoria remains one of two states yet to finalize a bilateral funding agreement with the Commonwealth, lagging behind other states like New South Wales and Queensland in meeting Gonski targets.