Public school facilities in decline

August 2024 A study from the Australian Education Union has highlighted a concerning decline in the state of public school facilities across Australia, from 2020 to 2024. In a survey conducted by the AEU, school principals reported deteriorating conditions such as degraded bathrooms, inadequate classrooms, and insufficient space to accommodate future enrolments. The figures revealed that 19 per cent of schools lack necessary classrooms, with 40 per cent expecting future space shortages. This data has sparked calls for renewed federal funding to address the disparities between public and private school infra-structure investments. Advocates have stressed the need for sustained investment to provide all students with conducive learning environments, regard- less of location or socio-economic background. The challenges have also been exacerbated in remote areas, disproportionately impacting Indigenous students and reflecting broader inequalities in educational resources nationwide.

Greek Tribune Adelaide, South Australia