30 January 2017

Catholic Education Melbourne Executive Director Mr Stephen Elder has welcomed Education Minister Simon Birmingham’s acknowledgement current funding arrangements disadvantage some non-government schools.

‘Senator Birmingham told ABC Radio this morning “there are schools… in the non-government who are getting less than what formulas would say their fair share is”,’ Mr Elder said.

‘Catholic Education Melbourne has been saying this for some time. 

‘The Minister has called out the self-appointed education experts who insist the funding system is weighted unfairly in favour of non-government schools.

‘His acknowledgement is particularly welcome as negotiations for the new school funding agreement to apply from the start of 2018 get underway.

‘Catholic schools have a special mission to cater for the disadvantaged.

‘Given the Minister’s comments today we trust this will be recognised in the final package.’

For further information contact Christian Kerr, Media Adviser on 0402 977 352 or 9267 4411