QUEENSLAND Catholic Education Commission has welcomed an overall increase in recurrent spending on education in the non-state sector announced in the State budget on June 3.
Queensland Treasurer Tim Nicholls announced an increase of about seven per cent in that spending.
QCEC executive director Mike Byrne said: “We are pleased that in a tough fiscal environment the Newman Government has been able to find funds to assist the Catholic sector to meet the rising costs of education.
“We will now work with the Government to fully understand the specifics of this increase, including how enrolment growth and the significant costs associated with the move of Year 7 to secondary school, are reflected in these figures.”
Mr Byrne said the QCEC particularly welcomed additional funding for Catholic schools to implement the “Great Teachers = Great Results” plan over the next four years.
“Quality teaching is the single greatest contributor to improving outcomes for our students,” he said. “These funds will assist Catholic schools to implement programs that will go directly to supporting teachers to develop their skills, and improve teacher quality and performance.
“The Catholic sector also commends the State Government for allowing flexibility to tailor these programs to the individual needs and circumstances of schools.”
Mr Byrne also welcomed the Government’s ongoing commitment to assist Catholic school building programs, including the Building Our Future Schools fund.
“We also acknowledge the State Government’s commitment to a $1 billion Future Schools Fund under the Strong Choices Investment Program,” he said. “All education sectors are facing significant challenges in meeting the schooling needs of Queensland’s growing population into the future.”
Catholic schools strive to provide a high quality, faith-based and affordable educational option for Queensland families.
