State government support for your child’s education is under threat
The Victorian Labor party intends to cut state funding for non-government schools, inflicting further financial pressure on our schools and the families who rely on them – despite student enrolments in Catholic schools saving Victorian taxpayers almost $2 billion every year.
A cut to legislated funding for students
Since 2015, Victorian non-government schools have been entitled state funding equal to 25 per cent of the per-student funding provided to government schools. This funding supports day-to-day operating costs and helps schools keep fees affordable.
While the Liberal and National parties have committed in writing to maintain this support, we understand Labor intends to reduce it via an entirely different funding formula. For schools in our diocese this could mean around $6.5 million less in funding for 2027 alone. This is an unacceptable attack, particularly considering that that students enrolled in DOBCEL schools currently save Victorian taxpayers $166M every year.
The wider impact on our schools
Our schools already face significant financial pressure with staff wage increases in excess of 28 per cent over the next four years as we maintain pay parity with Victorian government schools. Labor’s proposed change is a direct threat to the financial sustainability of our schools.
Families could pay the price
Parent and guardian fees account for less than 12% of the daily costs for educating students. We are committed to keeping fees affordable so that families can access the education they feel is right for their children, regardless of income or postcode.
A message from the Executive Director of Catholic Education Ballarat
Contact your local Labor candidate
Every person who reaches out to Labor candidates increases the attention that the party will give to this issue. Your voice matters.
The below resources are intended as a useful starting point: please put them into your own words. We encourage you to be firm but always respectful.