School funding is undermining equality and cohesion

Australia is one of the few countries – possibly the only one – where there is no limit to the private income and wealth a school can amass without forfeiting public funding.

The Treasurer has pointed to the May budget’s focus on productivity and intergenerational fairness. Yet current funding arrangements entrench intergenerational unfairness, undermine productivity, and create conditions that risk fuelling rising right-wing sentiment.

In the current economic climate, the worst outcome would be inducing more families to take on private school fees alongside mortgage, rent and cost-of-living pressures. The best protection for students is a strong public school system – one that can absorb those who need to transfer from private schools with minimum disruption.