THE NEW ‘STUDENTS FIRST’ FUNDING MODEL IS IMPLEMENTED

Replacing the ‘Better Schools’ funding, the AISSA’s member schools gain access to the new ‘Students First’ funding. The AISSA successfully negotiates additional funding to be distributed across the sector to compensate for the loss of Targeted Programs and National Partnerships. Schools transition to their full funding allocation over 6 years.

The South Australian government adopts the same model for allocating funding, becoming the only State to do so. Due to the financial pressures facing the State government, very little money is allocated in Years 1-4 of transition, which results in South Australian schools being amongst the worst-funded in Australia.

The AISSA advocates on this matter throughout 2014, including raising awareness with school communities and South Australian political representatives about the implications of this decision.