Data says 150 private schools over-funded

There are 150 private schools across Australia that are receiving taxpayer money above the 'school resourcing standard'.

School students

150 Australian private schools are receiving taxpayer money above the "school resourcing standard" (AAP)

Federal education department data has found some top Australian private schools are receiving close to three times more taxpayer money than their entitlement while others remain under funded.

There are 150 private schools receiving money above the school resourcing standard which sets out how much taxpayer funding schools are entitled to and includes additional amounts for disadvantage, Fairfax reports.

Education Minister Simon Birmingham earlier this week copped flack after suggesting some private schools are being over-funded.

The department figures show that nearly one in five private schools is getting more government money than the student resource standard, The Australian reports.

They also show three-quarters of public schools and all Catholic schools are getting less than 95 per cent of the resource standard.

Former business council head Tony Shepherd, who chaired the Abbott government's commission of audit, said it would be "morally reprehensible and morally irresponsible" of the federal government not to rethink funding arrangements.

"I think in terms of equity you have to look at that as well, that's part of the mix. In the end, everybody has got to have a haircut, there is no more money," he told The Australian about the mix of funding to public and private schools.


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Source: AAP


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