Premier Campbell Newman today welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that Queensland schools would receive $794 million in additional funding over the next four years.
“I am delighted Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Minister Christopher Pyne have honoured their election commitment to match Labor’s education funding dollar for dollar,” he said.
“The Abbott Government had already committed to reducing bureaucracy and red tape and giving states the freedom to distribute funds as they see fit.
“They had also recognised the Queensland Government’s significant extra contribution over the next four years through our $537 million Great Teachers = Great Results program.
“This extra Federal funding will help us achieve better student outcomes by boosting teacher quality, increasing school autonomy and improving school discipline.
“The Abbott Government’s commitment delivers funding certainty for Queensland schools not just for next year, but for the next four years, and is great news for students, parents and teachers.”
Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek said Queensland schools would receive $794 million more than they would under the former Labor Government.
“Queensland schools were going to get nothing under Bill Shorten,” said Mr Langbroek.
“Labor used heavy handed tactics to try and force Queensland to sign up to a program that meant more red tape instead of getting the results we needed.
“The Abbott Government knows Queensland runs our schools and we know what our schools need.
“This funding, combined with the Newman Government’s education policies like our $300million school maintenance program, will ensure our schools are safe and vibrant community hubs – not ignored and left in states of disrepair like they were under 20 years of failed Labor governments.
“The Newman Government has a relentless focus on achieving better outcomes for Queensland students.
“We are committed to revitalising front line services for families and this federal and state funding demonstrates some of the ways we are delivering on our election promises.”