With the federal election on the horizon, teachers are concerned that a change in government could mean a change in their funding.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments announced last month they had agreed to provide $4.8 billion for NSW public schools over the next 10 years. 

Members of the Teachers Federation met with the union's president and Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, at Nowra High School on Tuesday to receive an update on the funding agreement.

Mr Rajendra and Mrs Phillips speaking with teachers in front of the Full School Funding Billboard truck. Photos provided.

Phillips shared findings from a new survey of teachers across the Gilmore, Whitlam, and Cunningham electorates. 

The survey revealed more than three quarters (76%) of teachers are concerned that Opposition Leader Peter Dutton will scrap this historic funding agreement for public schools if he becomes Prime Minister.

Both the President and Organiser of the NSW Teachers Federation, Henry Rajendra and Duncan McDonald respectively, cited the Coalition's history in government as a key reason for concern.

“This funding is at risk should Peter Dutton be elected PM. The Liberal-National Coalition government cut school funding agreements the last time they were in power, denying children vital support. Most concerningly, Peter Dutton has failed to offer bipartisan support for the new school funding agreement,” Rajendra said.

McDonald added: “Since 2013, successive Coalition governments have delivered cuts to New South Wales public schools. 

“In fact, just the day after the agreement was signed, shadow finance minister Jane Hume refused to commit to the additional $4.8 billion in funding for NSW public schools. 

“The Coalition under Peter Dutton has also made no commitments to increasing school funding in NSW.”

The 10-year agreement, signed by the federal and NSW governments, aims to raise funding for public schools to 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) - a minimum funding level, as defined by McDonald.

“We call it 100% of the SRS, but it’s actually the minimum level of funding required to meet the needs of all students. That’s why it’s so significant. It will allow schools to focus on areas of need and on equity for students,” he said.

Mr Rajendra with teachers and students from Gerringong Public School. Photos provided.

The same survey released by Phillips showed two thirds of teachers across the Gilmore, Whitlam and Cunningham electorates believe this funding is critical to support students who have fallen behind in literacy and numeracy.

“There are teachers in our area expressing these concerns because they see students in need every day. They go above and beyond to support them, but they lack the necessary resources. What we’re seeing is teachers burning out,” McDonald said.

“We’re also seeing state-level departments of education struggling to attract and retain teachers due to burnout and heavy workloads.”

Rajendra also highlighted the positive impact of the funding agreement on NSW public schools.