Independent review of NT school funding model

Ernst & Young has been selected to conduct an independent review of the Territory Government’s school funding model.

Minister for Education Eva Lawler said the review will consider the way school budgets are calculated, including the use of effective student enrolment data and weightings to address student needs.

“The review will look at what is paid for and managed by schools and what is paid for and managed centrally by the department," said Lawler.

“This review will ensure that funding to schools is equitable, transparent, and based on the needs of students.”

The review will commence this week and will involve input from key stakeholders as well as a cross section of Territory government schools.

Ernst & Young were selected through a public quotation process, and submitted a quote that represented the best value for the Territory and met the criteria to a very high level.

Ernst & Young has a local Darwin office and the review team will comprise a mix of local and interstate staff, with extensive experience in education sector resource modelling and stakeholder engagement in the Northern Territory, Australia and internationally.

The review is expected to be completed by this August, and where possible approved recommendations will be implemented for 2018 school budgets.