ACT Parents, the peak body representing public school parents and carers, welcomed investment in public education in today’s ACT Budget, but warned that reforming the system would require sustained commitment, strong leadership, and focus on students, families, and school staff.

CEO Veronica Elliott said the Budget arrives at a critical moment for public education in the ACT, after the release of the Public School Resourcing Review last month.

The review argued that the system must move away from a model where individual schools are left to manage too many responsibilities on their own. It found that many budget pressures and operational problems in schools were often “downstream symptoms of deeper structural issues in how the system is organised, supported, and resourced”.

“The review highlighted what many parents, carers and school staff have been telling us for years: too many of the systems designed to support our public schools are not working as they should,” Ms Elliott said.

“This is not simply about funding individual schools. It is about rebuilding the foundations of our public education system so that every student has equitable access to the support, opportunities and learning experiences they need to succeed.”

Ms Elliott said the review signalled a significant shift away from the highly autonomous model that has characterised ACT public education for many years.

“Public education should not offer a two-tier experience where some students have great experiences while others struggle. Equity of opportunity must be at the centre of everything we do.

“The move toward a stronger system approach has the potential to deliver more consistent support for students, families and schools across the Territory, while ensuring additional support is directed to the schools and communities that need it most. That is something ACT Parents strongly supports.”

ACT Parents welcomed the $9.3 million investment to implement the Public School Resourcing Review, but noted that the scale of change required would demand a much greater long-term investment. Rebuilding the foundations of public education in the ACT cannot be achieved through one Budget alone, Ms Elliott said.

“We would have liked to see a stronger long-term investment in rebuilding public education. The funding announced today is a start, but only a start.

“This Budget should be judged not only by the dollars allocated today, but by whether it marks the beginning of a genuine transformation of public education in the ACT.

“People are not simply looking for more money. They are looking for change. They want a system that listens, responds and delivers.”

Ms Elliott said one of the most important shifts must be a stronger focus on lived experience and meaningful engagement.

“It is no longer enough to claim success based on policy settings or administrative measures alone.

“We need to collect and understand the lived experiences of students, parents, carers and school staff, and use that information to drive continuous improvement. For too long, success has been measured by what looks good on paper rather than what people experience in practice.”

ACT Parents also welcomed the Government’s investment of $205,000 to establish a Parent Advocacy Service for ACT public school families.

“This investment recognises that many families need support to navigate an increasingly complex education system,” Ms Elliott said.

“We look forward to working with the Education Directorate and the Minister to ensure this service is accessible, responsive, and provides the right level of support for families who need it most.”

“The Parent Advocacy Service will help families navigate challenges earlier, access information and support, and ensure their voices are heard. It will also provide valuable insights into where the system is working well and where further improvements are needed.”

Ms Elliott said that while the ACT Government faces significant fiscal pressures, public education must remain one of the most important investments any government can make.

“Strong public education benefits everyone.

“When children and young people receive the support and education they need, and the opportunities they deserve, they are more likely to thrive throughout their lives. That delivers benefits not just for individuals and families, but for the entire community.

“The challenge now is turning the vision outlined in the review into meaningful action. That will require strong leadership, a clear direction of travel, and a bureaucracy that is agile, responsive and willing to work in partnership with the people it serves.”