The most efficient way to run, fund and regulate primary and secondary schools in Australia is for the State and Territory Governments to have sole responsibility.

Background

Australian federalism has evolved significantly since Federation in 1901. There is now extensive, contested concurrency in Commonwealth and State or Territory government roles and responsibilities, particularly in the schooling portfolio, where it has effectively moved from being a state responsibility to a shared responsibility. The degree of national government involvement in schooling is unprecedented and higher than that of any other federal government in the world. Uncoordinated decision-making, a mismatch in revenue versus responsibilities, and unhelpful overlap in some roles has contributed to the exacerbation of disadvantage and inequities, limiting the effectiveness of government funding and programs. This poses dire consequences for individual students and the nation.

This change was not by design. But its reform can be. The White Paper on the Reform of the Federation was established to investigate federalism reform in a range of portfolios characterised by complex, counterproductive and inconsistent government roles; propose and consult on a range of reform options; and set out a platform for improvement. It is led by a Taskforce located within the Prime Minister’s department, overseen by an intergovernmental steering committee and expert advisory panel.

Evaluating the options for reform

In June 2015, four options for reform to government roles and responsibilities in the schooling portfolio were leaked and later publicly released by the Taskforce. These options were the product of discussions with stakeholders, all the States and Territories, and the Prime Minister’s Expert Advisory Panel.

1. States and Territories fully responsible for all schools

2. States and Territories responsible
for funding public schools and the Commonwealth responsible for funding nongovernment schools. States remain responsible for delivery education in government schools and the regulatory framework for all schools.

3. Reduced Commonwealth involvement in school programs

4. The Commonwealth is the dominant funder of all students on an equal and consistent basis, but States and Territories maintain other current responsibilities, including regulatory framework and provision of public schools.

The reform plan put forward by the Taskforce in the final White Paper must be within the current constitutional framework (meaning constitutional change is not required).