Gonski 2.0 update

This week, the Australian Senate will vote to pass legislation on the new Gonski funding model. 

The Australian Greens have highlighted several major concerns with the government’s proposed schools funding model in a Senate inquiry report that was tabled in the Parliament last week.

The Greens’ report made a series of recommendations on how to improve the legislation that they they believe would see it deliver more funding to under-resourced schools more quickly and involve the States and Territories in the funding model. The Greens also want to create an independent National Schools Resourcing Body and stop the Federal Government from dictating conditions relating to teachers, principals, curricula and school testing.

Education Minister Simon Birmingham has commented that he is "really hopeful" they will get the legislation through.

"I’ve been really encouraged by the constructive engagement from the Greens, from crossbench Senators," said Birmingham.

The ABC has been told that the only party not negotiating is Labor and that all other senators are still talking to the Government about implementing the new model.

After this week the Senate breaks until 8 August.