Labor is standing by its controversial Building the Education Revolution scheme despite more than $36 million being spent on schools that have since shut down.
Opposition education spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek said it was no surprise a tiny number of schools included in the $16.2 billion scheme prompted by the Global Financial Crisis received grants before being closed.
"It's difficult to say that a program that ended in 2013, that has since seen schools close down, that we didn't have a crystal ball to know which schools we're going to close down," Ms Plibersek said in Sydney on Saturday.
"It's no surprise you'll find the occasional project among 10,000 that could've been improved."
At least 93 schools across the country received grants before folding, leaving facilities built under the post-GFC stimulus scheme no longer serving any full time educational purpose.
Education Minister Simon Birmingham is trying to claw back cash spent on schools that have since closed.
"The legacy of school halls built for schools that are no more is a further reminder of the massive waste under the Rudd and Gillard governments, especially their BER program," Senator Birmingham told The Australian.
"Where possible, my department now works to stop any further waste and recover taxpayers' hard-earned money should a school close, or at least ensure the facilities built under the program can be used by other schools or the community in a way that puts investment from taxpayers to good use."
Ms Plibersek said the coalition government had steadfastly opposed the post-GFC stimulus package as well as building in Australian schools.
"I will never apologise for the fact Labor kept 200,000 Australians working during the global financial crisis," she said.
