An historic increase in funding for state schools will help students catch up, keep up and finish school according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP.

Mr Last said the additional $2.8 Billion in funding over 10 years was the biggest injection of funding ever delivered to Queensland state schools and was confirmation of the state government’s goal of delivering a better future for Queensland’s children.

“Education is about opening doors for students and the Crisafulli governing is committed to opening those doors as widely as possible and keeping them open,” Mr Last said.  “This funding is another step in reducing the workload on teachers, so their focus is on what they do best, helping our children achieve their full potential.”

“We know that the earlier we identify challenges that a student faces, the better chance we have of delivering the right supports to assist that child to learn and participate better in school.  By focussing on phonics and undertaking numeracy checks, for example, we can address issues before they become a major hindrance.”

“It is all a part of the bigger picture of boosting the proportion of students leaving school with a Year 12 certificate, improving attendance and also improving NAPLAN results.  From a teacher’s point of view, we are improving access to high-quality and evidence-based professional learning to provide them with support and ongoing learning opportunities.”

Mr Last said the funding was tied directly to specific targets which meant the improvements would remain a key priority for the government.

“In the lead up to the election the LNP made a commitment to improving education outcomes for students and improving support for teachers,” he said.  “By agreeing to funding that is tied to ongoing improvement we are providing an assurance to both teachers and students that we will honour those commitments.”

“Securing the funding took a considerable amount of work but it was a priority because every Queenslanders wants to see a better and brighter future for our children.  The agreement we were able to reach in 5 months is something that the previous government had been unable to do in 10 years and that proves how important this is to the Crisafulli LNP government.”

“It really is a milestone because, for the first time, every single Queensland state school will be fully funded, ending uncertainty and delays when it comes to investing in our children.”

“We went into the negotiations asking the federal government for more funding, but we were prepared to increase funding from the state government as well.  I think it was the fact that the state government worked towards a partnership rather than begging for money that ensured success.”

“When it comes to our children’s future, we all have a role to play.  What this agreement proves is that the Crisafulli LNP state government is focussed on delivering for Queenslanders no matter where they live because we are focussed on a better future.”