More Happy News from Dr Lomax Smith

This is a statement of current DECS thinking related to Public School Funding. This was in response to my invitation to attend a meeting of our Governing Council next term where we are going to have to seriously consider raising school fees and other unpalatable issues.

No response on whether she or her representative might come. I even offered cookies.

Thank you for your email regarding education funding and our public schools and children’s services.

Clearly, you recognise the vital role our schools and preschools play in developing the skills and values of children.

Indeed, the Rann Government also acknowledges that the care and education of our children is at the heart of their future success, and the economic and social prosperity of South Australia. That is why, despite claims to the contrary, funding for public education has again been increased for the 2007-08 financial year. Indeed, the Budget increases total spending in education and children’s services by $127.2 million compared to the 2006-07 Budget. The Budget provides on average an extra $708 for every government school student compared to the previous Budget, which is a 6.7% increase. Since 2001-02 spending for each student has increased by $3,606.

This year, we are investing $54.9 million to deliver the latest installment of the government’s 14% pay rise for teachers. However, we are also making major reforms and re-investing savings to focus more support on priorities that will make a difference to the opportunities and skills of young people.


Many of those priorities have been supported by governing councils, school principals, teachers, parents and local communities, as reflected by views contributed during public forums and reviews that were initiated by the Rann government.

Those consultations demonstrate the fact that we are a government that listens to the community as we work together in the best interests of children. Indeed, the government has listened to the concerns of teachers, parents and others in the community who have advocated on behalf of their local schools, and decided against imposing a cost on schools for workers compensation claims. As the Premier Mike Rann has stated, this will save schools having to find nearly $17 million in their budgets in the next four years.


The government is serious about reforming the education system and working with parents and teachers to reshape schooling for the 21st century.

Our public consultations over the past five years have examined how we might better provide services, particularly in early childhood, senior secondary education, school infrastructure and training.

As a result, reforms and re-investment of taxpayers’ dollars include:

· Brand new schools as part of a $216 million Education Works investment in better school buildings and learning environments

* Investment of $28.8 million for 20 new ‘one stop’ children’s centres that bring services together for families and young children
* An $84 million ‘School to work’ reform that includes a new senior secondary ‘SACE’ qualification and new trade schools to foster practical work skills
* Increased investment in literacy and numeracy, and smaller class sizes in the early years.


Working toward reform also requires change that I acknowledge may sometimes be unpopular. However, while a number of concerns have been raised, implementation of proposed savings measures is yet to be finalised. In particular, I draw your attention to the following issues:

Unattached Teachers: Improvements in existing practices and the new local selection policy have resulted in a reduction of permanent teachers waiting for placement in our schools. The department will continue to identify and introduce new ways to manage teachers who are permanently employed, but who do not hold an ongoing position in a school, in order to allocate them to a position of genuine need as soon as possible. Progress is being made and savings already achieved are being reinvested into education.


School Accounts: Details of this proposal are being finalised with stakeholders. However, interest will be paid to schools on balances related to Out of School Hours Care, Vacation Care, canteens, Building Funds, Library Funds, Special Accounts (including Farm Accounts) and proceeds of fund raising activities.

Aquatics and Instrumental Music: No reduction in budget funds has been made despite misleading public comments by some. These valued programs will be revitalised and improved in the best interests of children and current budgets maintained.

We will continue to consult, listen and work with local communities on how we might best achieve and re-invest savings.

If you have any further enquiries about these or other savings for reinvestment announced in last year’s budget, or specific questions regarding your school, please contact your local Department for Education and Children’s Services District Office for information.

Thank you for your interest in our public education system. I have also enclosed a copy of our recent education budget overview, which highlights initiatives to further improve opportunities for children.

Yours sincerely



Jane Lomax-Smith

MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES

MINISTER FOR TOURISM