It is vital that Catholic education continues to provide accessible, values-based education for Australian families, and remains a critical part of the national education landscape, Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) has said.
While CSPA acknowledges the Government’s continued investment in education and family supports, many families across Australia are facing increasing financial strain, particularly around schooling affordability and cost of living pressures.
Like all Australian schools, Catholic schools are deeply embedded in and connected to their local communities and support not only academic outcomes, but also student wellbeing, belonging, inclusion and social cohesion. This connection is genuine regardless of postcode, cultural background or income level, but is particularly so in regional, rural and outer suburban areas.
CSPA Chair, Andrea Obeyesekere, notes however that, “parents are increasingly concerned about long-term affordability, mental health pressures on young people, workforce shortages in schools and growing complexity around supporting children with additional learning and wellbeing needs”.
Additionally, CSPA believes ongoing discussions in relation to the Choice and Affordability Fund and future non-government school funding arrangements are critical for certainty and sustainability for families and school communities moving forward.
So too is the evolving disability reform landscape and the need for clarity around how future programs and reforms will intersect with schools and support families in practical ways.
“Catholic education remains one of Australia’s great success stories, providing affordable, values-based education to families from all walks of life while strengthening communities across the nation,” Andrea said.
“Importantly, parents need certainty that their children can continue to access high-quality learning environments that nurture academic achievement, wellbeing, faith and belonging.
“CSPA thanks governments for their continued investment in education. At a time when many Australian families are facing significant financial pressure, it is critical that government funding settings continue to support genuine school choice and keep Catholic education accessible and affordable.”
