Parent payments to Victorian schools skyrocketed under the former Liberal Government, a new Victorian Auditor-General’s report reveals.
Parent payments rose by more than $70 million since 2009 – an increase of nearly 30 per cent – with most of that occurring under the former Liberal Government.
The Additional School Costs for Families report, which was tabled in Parliament today, also found that fees, charges and contributions to Victorian schools are the highest in Australia.
This report exposes the former Liberal Government’s legacy of neglect, shining a light on how they abandoned students, parents and their communities.
This follows last week’s Productivity Commission report, which revealed a widening gap between how much funding Victorian students receive compared to the rest of the country.
The Auditor-General’s report confirms the Liberals turned their backs on education, leaving families and teachers to pick up the pieces.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education and Training was charged with the implementation of unworkable policy and budget decisions.
The Auditor-General’s report found parents were being charged for items and activities that should be free and the department did not know how much money parents were being asked to pay to schools and for what items.
As an immediate result of this report, the Minister for Education, James Merlino, has requested the department undertake a full independent review of its parent payment policies, including how the application of these policies are monitored across the system.
The review will ensure parent policies in our schools are clear, that they meet schools’ responsibilities under legislation and that our schools are inclusive for all students.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Education, James Merlino
“By ripping $1 billion from the education system, the Liberals shifted costs onto parents and communities.”
“We want to ensure each and every student in Victoria has access to a high quality education without being restricted by financial circumstance.”
“We will restore transparency and support to Victoria’s education system and fix the legacy of neglect left by the Liberals.”
“Our Sports, Camps and Excursions Fund will help families with the extra costs of school and make sure our kids aren't missing out.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020