May 20th 2024.
The issue of overcrowding in schools is becoming a pressing concern in New South Wales, as the number of demountable classrooms continues to rise. However, finding a solution seems to be a distant goal, as the government is caught in a funding dispute over the construction of permanent classrooms.
These demountable classrooms were initially intended as a temporary fix for schools facing a surge in student enrollment. However, a recent study has revealed that thousands of these classrooms have now become a permanent fixture in the state's public schools, with some remaining in place for over 20 years. The Australian Education Union's report on government spending on education exposed the alarming fact that more than 5000 demountables are currently being used as classrooms, making up 12% of the learning space in public schools. The study also highlighted the disproportionate distribution of these classrooms in the western and southwestern regions of Sydney, with almost a quarter of them concentrated in specific federal electorates.
Moreover, the report identified over 2000 demountables as being 20 years or older, posing safety concerns for students. The AEU stated that this funding disparity has resulted in public school students learning in outdated and inadequate classrooms, while private schools have received billions more in government funding for capital investment. In fact, the report revealed that five exclusive private schools in NSW and Victoria have spent $175.6 million this year alone, compared to the $174.4 million spent by 3372 public schools. Private schools, however, argue that their capital investment mainly comes from the school and parent communities.
The AEU and the NSW Teachers Federation have expressed concerns over the expiration of the Albanese government's $68 million capital investment for public schools this year and are pushing for a new funding agreement to address this issue. Unfortunately, this funding dispute has put a halt to any progress in building permanent classrooms and facilities for public schools in NSW.
In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for Education Minister Prue Car stated that the government is diligently working towards replacing demountable classrooms. They acknowledged that the number of these classrooms has skyrocketed under the previous Liberal National government, which failed to invest in new schools in rapidly growing suburbs in Western Sydney. The spokesperson also mentioned that the government has allocated a record amount of funding to build and upgrade schools, with a specific focus on the top 10 student growth areas in Sydney's western suburbs. The 2023-2024 NSW budget has already included funding for 15 new schools and 17 upgrades in these areas.
In conclusion, the issue of overcrowding in schools and the use of demountable classrooms in NSW is a complex one, with the government and education unions at odds over funding. It is clear that a sustainable solution needs to be reached soon to provide high-quality and safe learning spaces for all students in the state.
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