The Australian Greens have unveiled a bold $10 billion proposal aimed at reducing the financial burden on families by eliminating school fees. The plan includes an annual $800 allowance for each primary and secondary school student, designed to cover essential school-related expenses, such as uniforms, technology, and supplies.
This initiative, set to begin on 1 July, is expected to cost approximately $7.6 billion by 2028. The Greens argue that the rising cost of education has become a growing concern, with school fees increasing by over 20% between 2021 and 2022. The proposed funding boost of $2.4 billion aims to eradicate school fees and associated charges, which the Greens view as a significant barrier for many families.
Greens leader Adam Bandt and education spokesperson Penny Allman-Payne are spearheading the plan, which they argue is a necessary step to address inequality in the Australian education system. “In a wealthy country like ours, everyone should be able to afford the basics: a home, food, and world-class education,” Bandt stated. He highlighted the disparity between the cost of education for public school students and the tax breaks given to large corporations, with one in three major companies paying no tax.
Allman-Payne emphasized that Australian governments have consistently failed to properly fund public education, resulting in overworked teachers and deteriorating infrastructure. “Under Labor, private schools receive millions each day from the government, while most public schools are underfunded,” she said, underscoring the urgency of reform.
The Greens’ proposal comes as part of their broader strategy to influence the upcoming federal election. While the Greens do not have the capacity to form a government outright, their performance in this year’s election could position them as key players in a potential hung parliament. In such a scenario, the party could play a pivotal role in forming a power-sharing agreement with the Labor Party, and securing further influence on policy matters.
The announcement is set to be made at Coorparoo State School in Brisbane, a location that highlights the Greens’ commitment to addressing local education issues. Despite facing setbacks in Queensland’s recent state election, where they lost ground, the Greens remain focused on retaining their federal representation and advancing policies that resonate with voters concerned about the cost-of-living crisis.
Bandt framed the election as an opportunity to break away from the traditional two-party system. “If Brisbane voters return their Greens MPs, they can help prevent Peter Dutton from becoming Prime Minister and push Labor to address the cost-of-living crisis,” he said.
The Greens’ school fee proposal is one of several initiatives aimed at tackling rising living costs, positioning the party as a critical voice in shaping Australia’s educational future.
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