Let need be the only school funding criterion

June 23, 2025

MAGA USA highlights two problems. To an extent, Australia’s under-appreciated electoral system protects us from outcomes caused by the problematic US system. But we’re heading down the same fraught educational disparity path, as spelled out by Don and Patricia Edgar. This can only end badly for Australia.

The absence of adequate supports and facilities that deter some of our better teachers from working in more challenging environments is obvious. But for some schools it also means additional funding to overcome the accidents of birth that hamper some children’s chances of learning, such as poverty and family history of inadequate formal education. As a minimum, *all* children should leave school being literate, numerate and able to think clearly and critically.

So, bring on tax reform, from a less flat personal income tax structure, to multinationals paying fair tax in Australia, to reducing, even stopping, subsidies for those who don’t need them.

Additionally, to hugely wealthy philanthropists I say… thank you for what you do, but please consider education beyond your old school tie. Your name on a currently impoverished primary school could have far more impact on future generations than your much appreciated support for the arts, hospitals and medical research.