Private Schools May Lose Funding To "Level The Playing Field"

Overfunded non-government schools could expect potential funding cuts, according to Education Minister, Simon Birmingham.

Senator Birmingham, answered some tough questions on ABC's Q&A last night about school funding.

Pressed on whether wealthier private schools receive too much public funding, Senator Birmingham responded saying there were not a vast number of schools in that category, but "there are some that fit that bill, yes, there are."

How can you justify allocating generous Federal funding to already wealthy schools? @Birmo responds #QandA https://t.co/y9hZrg1ApM

— ABC Q&A (@QandA) September 26, 2016

Tony Jones - the presenter - continued by asking, "so some private schools could expect, under your governorship of this, to lose money?"

"That depends on whether we can actually reach some accord with the states and territories and ultimately with the Senate, to get a fairer funding model in place," Senator Birmingham said.

"I want, within the money that's available, within the money that Australia can afford to get the fairest funding model we can have for Australian schools."

If we want to get young people into #jobs
We'd be funding #Gonski & #TAFE
Instead of entrenching #inequality#Education yes
Demonisation no

— John Falzon (@JohnFalzon) September 23, 2016

This heated debate comes in light of a Fairfax report revealing NSW public schools are expected to shoulder the cost of $100 million being re-distributed to other states while private schools are spared.

Back in the seventies, not one dollar of public funding went to private schools. Let's restore that model. #gonski #qanda #auspol

— Peter Pyke (@PeterPyke) September 26, 2016

It has also been a hectic week, as states and the federal government dance around the proposed implementation of Gonski, which would recommend needs-based funding for schools.

Photo: ABC Q&A