Australia Education, Two Weeks: funding steps, safer campuses, VET momentum
Suzan Seherin 
Funding — schools deal and budget settings advance
Canberra’s “Better and Fairer Schools Agreement” continues to shape the next decade of funding. The deal lifts the Commonwealth share of the Schooling Resource Standard to 25%, putting public schools on a path to full funding by 2034, with states co-funding alongside the federal boost. Recent budget material shows rollout items tied to this pathway and related school initiatives. However, negotiations and implementation timelines still vary by state.
South Australia’s latest budget papers echo the national settings. They outline additional joint investment under the agreement and new capital for enrolment pressure, including a Birth-to-Year-6 school in northern Adelaide. As a result, the state projects full SRS funding by 2034—mirroring the federal target.
Universities — gender-based violence code moves toward enforcement
A major higher-education change landed this fortnight: Parliament has passed legislation enabling a mandatory National Higher Education Code to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. The Department of Education updated guidance on 4 November, signalling that compliance will be tied to provider approval under the Higher Education Support Act via consequential amendments now before Parliament. Meanwhile, sector advisories warn universities to prepare governance, reporting and student-support systems before staged commencement through 2026–27.
The broader Accord program remains the backdrop. Government material and policy commentary emphasise expanding access, reshaping funding, and tightening integrity measures—an agenda universities continue to press for full implementation.
Schools — NAPLAN equity gap stays in focus
Although national NAPLAN data came out earlier in the year, it still frames current policy. ACARA’s national results and commentary underline persistent gaps by disadvantage and remoteness, with participation now back near pre-COVID levels. Media analyses highlighted that roughly a third of students are not meeting “challenging but reasonable” expectations, reinforcing the case for tutoring, explicit instruction and targeted supports built into the funding deal. However, experts argue delivery quality will decide whether the gap narrows.
VET & TAFE — fee-free places and regulator alignment
On the skills side, Fee-Free TAFE continues through 2026 under a $1.5 billion Commonwealth-state agreement for 500,000 places. States are locking in their own funding mechanics; Victoria has updated 2025 Skills First contracts for subsidised training delivery. Meanwhile, tertiary regulators TEQSA and ASQA released a Dual Sector Regulatory Strategy, signalling closer oversight coordination for providers that span higher ed and VET. As a result, providers face clearer expectations—and fewer excuses—around quality and student protection.
International students — allocations fixed; integrity rules continue
The government finalised public-university international student allocations for 2026 in mid-October, maintaining pressure on integrity and student supports. Earlier reforms still shape the pipeline: a new visa-processing prioritisation direction and 2025 rule changes aimed at ensuring genuine applicants and curbing churn. However, universities and states continue to argue for stable settings that protect both education quality and local housing markets.
Why it matters — delivery, not slogans
Across these two weeks, the signal is steady: money is flowing, rules are tightening, and expectations are rising. The schools deal promises equity gains, but only if tutoring, phonics and small-group supports actually reach classrooms at scale. The new GBV code should make campuses safer, provided governance and grievance systems are resourced and measured. Meanwhile, Fee-Free TAFE can ease skill shortages as regulators align oversight. As a result, 2026 may be judged less on new announcements than on quiet, verifiable delivery—by systems, states and providers alike.
Sources: Department of Education, Statebudget.sa.gov
Image: Statebudget.sa.gov
About The Author
Sultanul Arefin 
