The NT and federal governments say they will fully fund public schools by 2029.

The Australian and Northern Territory governments have unveiled a $1 billion package aimed at funding all public schools in the NT to meet the Gonski minimum funding levels within 5 years. 

The decision could transform the educational landscape in the region, aimed particularly at schools most in need.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, alongside NT Chief Minister Eva Lawler, Education Minister Jason Clare, and NT Education Minister Mark Monaghan, have formalised the commitment through a statement of intent. 

The initiative promises to elevate NT public schools to 100 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) more than two decades earlier than projected under current funding models.

The SRS, recommended by David Gonski in his 2011 review of school funding, serves as a benchmark for the financial resources required by schools to address student needs adequately. 

Under the agreement, the Commonwealth is set to increase its contribution to 40 per cent of the SRS, allocating at least an additional $737 million between 2025 and 2029. 

The NT Government will contribute the remaining 60 per cent, estimated at $350 million over the same period.

The Prime Minister says the government is dedicated to ensuring no Australian child is left behind, highlighting the specific challenges faced by the NT, including significant concentrations of disadvantage. 

NT Minister for Education Mark Monaghan described the investment as “landmark”, highlighting the immediate difference it will make in schools across the territory, from improved salaries and smaller class sizes to enhanced technology.