THE State Government will invest more than $1b in capital projects in the public education sector, including two new birth to Year 12 schools for the metropolitan area and a new $100m school in Whyalla.
“The State Government recognises investment in our children and young people is a key driver for South Australia’s prosperity, that’s why we are delivering record funding for education,” treasurer Rob Lucas said on Friday.
“On World Teachers’ Day, we acknowledge the important work teachers, preschool and other support staff do each day in educating our children.
“We are currently in the process of negotiating a fair and equitable enterprise agreement with our Education Department staff and Australian Education Union (SA) members, on behalf of around 27,000 people.”
Mr Lucas rejected claims the government had not been engaging in “good faith”.
“Since early May, there have been ongoing, regular face-to-face meetings between the parties – often weekly,” he said.
“To date there have been 19 meetings between the parties and we look forward to these talks continuing.”
Mr Lucas said the State Government would increase recurrent funding for schools by $515m in 2021-22.
“This will be the largest amount ever spent by any government in schools,” he said.
“In addition to new builds, we are spending $692m over the six years to 2022-23 on upgrading 91 schools, including 29 in regional South Australia.
“We have also introduced a literacy guarantee package of measures, phonics screening checks for all Year 1 students and literacy and numeracy professional learning programs for teachers.”
