Minister Barr: Budget: Better education system

Canberra’s public schools are among the best in the country – and the 2016-17 ACT Budget is investing $1.16 billion in our education system to ensure our children are given the best education possible.

The ACT Budget will employ more teachers for Canberra schools, adding to the more than 3,300 teachers teaching over 44,000 students across the capital.

The government will invest $55 million in new initiatives to improve our schools and state-of-the-art facilities, as well as strengthen the capacity of schools to support students and their families with complex needs.

The government is also investing $20 million to expand schools in Gungahlin, with 680 new student places across Canberra’s fastest growing region.

Delivering better education facilities right across Canberra

The Budget dedicates $41.5 million to improve facilities and administration for schools across the ACT.

• Better schools for Gungahlin, including:
  • expansion of the facilities at Harrison School, Neville Bonner Primary School and Palmerston Preschool for the start of the 2017 school year; and
  • expansion of the facilities at Amaroo School for the start of the 2018 school year.
• Better schools for Belconnen, including:
  • better preschool facilities in Weetangera and Hawker; and
  • a contemporary learning space at Maribyrnong Primary.
• Better schools for Tuggeranong, including:
  • an upgraded library and science laboratories at Calwell High;
  • improved parking and traffic management at Wanniassa Hills Primary; and
  • a food technology area upgrade at Lake Tuggeranong College.
• Better schools for Woden, including:
  • a replacement roof for Mt Stromlo High.
• Betters schools for the inner suburbs, including:
  • new facilities at Alfred Deakin and Campbell High Schools;
  • upgraded science facilities at Dickson College; and
  • upgraded learning spaces at the Woden School.
• The ACT Government is also investing $10 million for a modern, fully integrated school business system that will streamline parent interaction with schools.

Delivering better education to Canberra students

The Budget invests an additional $24.7 million to further improve the standard of education being provided to all of our students in schools across Canberra.

The ACT Government is investing:

• $21.5 million to strengthen the capacity of schools to support students with complex needs and their families, in response to recommendations made in the Schools for All report;
• $1.2 million to undergo quality assurance in all public schools;
• $1.1 million to support the provision of special needs transport to and from Canberra schools for students with disabilities;
• $300,000 to strengthen Ngunnawal culture and history in schools by encouraging schools and students to engage with traditional owners, improve access to Ngunnawal cultural resources and increase cultural awareness;
• $300,000 over three years in teacher scholarships to support post-graduate learning and additional teacher expertise in science, technology, engineering and maths; and
• $250,000 for school modernisation planning to respond to the future needs of public schools.