Politics & Council
8 December, 2025
Every dollar a benefit to students: Govt
STATE Government claims that schools will maintain existing programs despite funding cuts has been disputed by a Loddon principal.
Wedderburn’s Danny Forrest said his school had seen its middle years literacy and numeracy support funding drop from $139,000 in 2022 to $8400 next year.
Schools have been told that they will be able to write-off debt next year but principals say 2027 will be “the pinch year””
“We will use all our savings to get through next year,” Mr Forrest said.
“After that, we will be losing teachers, support staff ... kids will have limited options”.
Mr Forrest said the funding model for rural schools needed to acknowledge isolation and distance between communities “and the cost of getting people here”
A Victorian Government spokesperson said: We are continuing to ensure every dollar families invest in their child’s education directly benefits their child today on their school journey.”
“We have made a number of changes to the 2026 indicative school budgets, including changes to the P12 complexity allowance, to simplify school budget line items for business managers and principals.”
“Following consultation with schools, adjustments are also being made to the School Carryover Policy that will enable small rural P12 schools to maintain existing programs - ensuring our students receive the world-class education they deserve.”
Both Premier Jacinta Allan and Ripon MP Martha Haylett have spoke of the importance of good access for rural students to education.
“Every child deserves access to the best facilities, and that’s why we are the education state,” Ms Haylett has said. “We know education changes lives. With this Budget, we’re making sure students in rural and regional Victoria can get the world-class education they deserve, close to home.”
At the opening of new facilities for East Loddon, Ms Allan said: “These new facilities will ensure more local students have the world-class education opportunities they deserve.”