The Gonski Review was the most comprehensive investigation of the way schools are funded in Australia in almost 40 years. It was commissioned by the Federal Government and conducted by an expert panel headed by senior businessman David Gonski. The final report was released in February 2012.
Gonski found Australia is investing far too little in education and, in particular, in public schools.
As a consequence, too many students are missing out on the resources they need and there are growing gaps in the achievements of students from different backgrounds.
Gonski recommended a $5 billion a year injection of funding into public and private schools (75 per cent to public schools) and an overhaul of the way the money is distributed to ensure it is going where it is most needed.
That money would be invested in local schools in ways that help students learn such as:
Smaller class sizes
Extra specialist teachers in areas such as literacy and numeracy
Greater support for students with higher needs such as those with disabilities
Additional training and classroom support for teachers
