The Werribee electorate’s students most in need are getting extra support at school to achieve their best and break the cycle of disadvantage, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s record boost to equity funding.

Local Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas said schools in the Werribee electorate have now received their indicative budgets for next year, with the Labor Government delivering $6.1 billion to Victorian government schools for 2017.

This includes $358 million in equity funding, which is needs-based funding used by schools to introduce programs that help disadvantaged students achieve better results at school and reach their full potential.

This sees Victoria meet its Gonski funding contribution for 2017. This funding is making a difference to the lives of Victorian students and is here to stay.

While the Turnbull Government has walked away from funding the final two years of Gonski funding – slashing almost $1 billion in funding to vulnerable students – the Labor Government will continue to provide equity funding to help our schools and students most in need.

For the first time, every Victorian government school’s total indicative funding will be published on the Department of Education and Training’s website.

For more information, visit: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/educationstate/Pages/schoolbudget.aspx

Quotes attributable to Local Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas

“We know that needs-based funding works and is making a difference for Werribee’s students.”

 “The Turnbull Government’s decision to walk away from its commitment to Gonski funding will leave Victorian students, including students in the Werribee electorate, almost $1 billion worse off each year.”