Public Education For Our Future: Campaign launch in Ballarat

AEU Victorian Branch Acting President Meredith Peace said Australia's public schools played a vital role in ensuring every child had access to a high quality education.

"Kevin Rudd promised an Education Revolution, but that will not happen without significant investment in public schools.

"The National Education Agreement, due to be finalised over the next four weeks as part of the COAG process, gives the Federal Government an opportunity to ensure public schools get the investment they deserve.

"The agreement provides an opportunity to increase general funding for public schools and announce further targeted funding to address disadvantage.

"Government research shows public schools need at least $2.9 billion in additional annual funding. More investment would allow public schools to reduce class sizes, provide more individual attention for students who need it and modernize buildings and equipment.

"According to our survey of Victorian principals the top priorities for additional funding nationally are more help for individual students (86.5%) and building maintenance or improvements (69.9%).

"There is no better investment for the future than in our public schools," Ms Peace said.