AISWA’s mission is to lead, serve, represent and advocate for the WA Independent school sector. The Independent school sector contributes significantly to Western Australia’s success and prosperity. Strong, well-supported Independent schools enhance educational diversity, drive academic excellence, and provide parents and students with more choices to meet their unique needs. Independent schools help reduce pressure on the public education system, support workforce development, and strengthen communities across the state.
We believe that together with the Government, we can shape a brighter future for every child. Our four major advocacy priorities are for:
- Investment in a $25 million per annum (ongoing) Capital Works Fund for critical infrastructure upgrades
- Fixing the $2 million per annum Reform Funding Shortfall
- Improving the Planning Consultation process
- Inclusive and Collaborative Decision Making for Every Child
- CAPITAL WORKS FUND
-
REQEST - Investment in a $25 million per annum (ongoing) Capital Works Fund for critical infrastructure upgrades
Many Independent schools are in need of critical infrastructure upgrades. Parents and communities provide 93% of capital funding for WA Independent schools. While the Commonwealth Government provides $9 million per annum through its Capital Grants Program (CGP) this is insufficient to meet demand.
Establishing a Capital Assistance Scheme will enable Independent schools to:
- Create, convert, refurbish, and upgrade educational facilities.
- Address infrastructure needs in boarding accommodation.
- Achieve parity in the quality of learning environment.
We encourage adoption of a capital funding model for implementation in the next term of Government. We estimate an appropriate level of funding would be $25 million per annum.
- REFORM FUNDING SHORTFALL
-
REQUEST - Fixing the $2 million per annum Reform Funding Shortfall
The Commonwealth’s previous support program, the Non-Government Reform Support Fund (NGRSF), provided $1.9 million per annum to AISWA. AISWA used this funding to employ dedicated educational professionals to support the goals of the Agreement. In 2023, the provision of this funding supported 11 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) roles. This facilitated a range of reform initiatives that supported the sector and individual schools. The fund was discontinued at the end of 2023, a year ahead of the expiry of the current Agreement.
As a result, without a replacement source of funding support, AISWA will need to discontinue many of its reform support efforts leading to a reduction in AISWA’s support and services for its member schools.
AISWA respectfully requests a commitment of $2 million per annum, aligned to the Agreement activities.
- PLANNING CONSULTATION
-
REQUEST - Improving the Planning Consultation process
At present, AISWA and the Independent school sector are not meaningfully consulted regarding planning decisions. This puts us at odds with Government schools that are embedded in the planning process. In some instances, this has made it challenging for Independent schools to be located in appropriate areas, particularly growing areas, and is therefore limiting educational choice for parents.
We ask for a commitment to mirror the Government school planning consultation process for the Independent school sector. We believe that a logical place to start would be a review of the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage’s Operational Policy 2.4 – Planning for school sites document.
- INCLUSVE AND COLLABORATIVE DECISION MAKING FOR EVERY CHILD
-
REQUEST - Inclusive and Collaborative Decision Making for Every Child
AISWA urges Government to continue to work closely and inclusively with the Independent school sector to leverage our extensive subject matter expertise when developing education initiatives. AISWA supports the roll-out of Government programs that are underpinned by the need of every child, regardless of education sector. Engaging with the Independent school sector meaningfully will ensure a brighter future for every child.
|
|
