Premier of NSW, the Hon Barry O’Farrell MP signs with Commonwealth Government

The Coalition notes the signing of a school funding agreement between the Premier of New South Wales, the Hon Barry O’Farrell MP and the Commonwealth. We will await the outcome of the continuing negotiations between other States and Territories as we respect their views. An agreement between one State and the Commonwealth on school funding is not a national school funding agreement. Our position is and has been consistent. That is, there must be over whelming agreement between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories in order to secure a nationally consistent school funding model. We note that NSW has advised they have the fiscal capacity to reach agreement with the Federal Government which requires an additional $1.7 billion of funding over the next six years. Other States and Territories are assessing their own fiscal situations and will arrive at a position they deem appropriate for their State or Territory by 30 June 2013. 23 April 2013