Students in Bonner will benefit from the Morrison Government’s record $5.4 billion funding for schools in Queensland next year, up from $5.1 billion in 2021.

Funding for Queensland schools has almost doubled since the Morrison Government came to office, and is locked in to grow a further 38 per cent between now and 2029.

Government schools in Queensland will see the biggest increase, from $1.7 billion in 2018 to $2.9 billion in 2029.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Government’s record investment in Queensland schools was an investment in their future.

“We’re giving kids in Bonner the best possible chance to get the best education and reach their full potential,” Mr Vasta said.

“We have many highly regarded schools in Bonner, filled with hard-working dedicated teachers and the Government is backing them, so they can focus on giving their students the best education.

“Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Citipointe Christian College in Carindale, who will benefit from this funding.  This school is reknowned for its facilities, passionate teachers and vibrant school community.

“It was fantastic to catch up with college Principal Pastor Brian Mulheran to hear of the opportunities that are being presented to students to aid their development and how this funding will assist.”

Citipointe Christian College Principal Pastor Brian Mulheran said, “As a member of Associated Christian Schools, the College welcomes the Government’s funding to strengthen education.”

“The funding by the Government continues to support the democratic nature of our society to grant parental choice for educating their children,” Pastor Mulheran said.

“Increased funding is required by schools as needs increase. Needs such as student well-being which is vital to improve educational outcomes.”

Minister for Education and Youth Hon Alan Tudge MP said, “Locking in record funding means states, territories and schools can now focus on lifting standards.”

The National Curriculum is also under review, with the independent body ACARA currently seeking public feedback on draft proposed changes.

National Reconciliation Week is a time where we acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and re-commit ourselves to progress reconciliation.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said that reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

This year, 2021, marks twenty years of Reconciliation Australia and almost three decades of the Australian formal reconciliation process.

“The week commences 27 May marking the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and concludes with the anniversary of the High Court’s Mabo decision on 3 June – both significant milestones in our nation’s history,” Mr Vasta said.

“This year’s theme, More than a word, Reconciliation takes action, calls on all Australians to think about the meaningful ways to affect change.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, said that for reconciliation to be effective, it must actively address issues of inequality, racism and instances where the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are ignored, denied or reduced.

“Our goal in reconciliation is a nation where all children have the same life chances and choices, and the length and quality of a person’s life will not be determined by their racial background.”

“Through our actions, we can build stronger relationships based on mutual respect and trust between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the broader Australian community.”

The Morrison Government continues its commitment to reconciliation by reforming the way we work with Indigenous Australians – in partnership – to achieve better outcomes.

”I encourage all residents in Bonner to get involved in National Reconciliation Week and share your events and messages using the hashtags #MoreThanAWord and #NRW2021.”, Mr Vasta said.

For posters and other resources to help you host events and mark the occasion, visit https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/