The Morrison Government’s 2021-22 federal budget has been another profound fail for public school and TAFE staff, students and parents across the nation.

“Australia’s public education system is one of the only institutions that touches the lives of Australians in every community, and as such should be a source of immense pride and celebration,” Australian Education Union Federal President Correna Haythorpe said.

“Instead, across primary, secondary and TAFE, this federal budget fails students in every corner of our nation.

“Since 2013, TAFE has suffered over $3 billion in funding cuts. These cuts have had a devastating impact on TAFE.

“Public schools face a $19 billion funding shortfall over the next four years. This is a direct result of the federal government’s failure to put public education first.

“A federal budget that delivers for public education would include a guarantee of a minimum 70 per cent of all government funding directed to the public TAFE system, a commitment to fund public schools to a minimum of 100 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard and the establishment of a capital fund for public schools to help meet rising enrolment growth and infrastructure needs.”