The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy, has again called out the Allan Labor Government’s cruel changes to the P-12 complexity allowance, which will see some rural and regional schools tens of thousands of dollars worse off.
The allowance is an annual Student Resource Package funding allocation for combined primary and secondary schools, to recognise the unique operational and administrative challenges of P-12 education.
However government changes to the package mean the allowance will be phased out by 2029, affecting schools in in Balmoral, Edenhope, Goroke, Kaniva, Murtoa, Nhill and Rainbow.
Ms Kealy has written to the Minister for Education on behalf of local schools, and raised the issue in Parliament.
“I am very concerned that some of these schools could be facing cuts of up to $200,000 once these changes take effect, putting pressure on already tight budgets,” she said.
“This shortfall can’t be made up from other areas, so how are our educators supposed to continue delivering the high-quality education and administrative support their schools lose?
“Without this funding, schools will face fewer VET and applied learning opportunities and reduced VCE subject offerings, limiting pathways for senior students and putting regional and rural schools at a disadvantage.
“These changes will have a critical impact on our communities, and I urge the government to reinstate the allowance to ensure country students are not unfairly robbed of vital learning and support opportunities.”