Dr Chris Bourke MLA MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING MINISTER FOR ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AFFAIRS MINISTER FOR INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MINISTER FOR CORRECTIONS MEMBER FOR GINNINDERRA

MEDIA

RELEASE

UNDER STRICT EMBARGO until 1:00am Tuesday 31 January 2012

ACT Government continues high levels of investment in public education The Productivity Commission’s 2012 Report on Government Services (ROGS) released today shows the ACT Government invests well above the national average in public education. In 2009-2010, the ACT Government’s recurrent expenditure on public schools as a proportion of total recurrent expenditure from all sources is now the highest in Australia at 91.8 percent, up from 91.2 percent in 2008-2009. The ACT Government expenditure per student in public schools in 2009-10 was $16,530 compared with the national average of $12,827. This investment in our students has resulted in some significant achievements during 2009-2010. This includes:  The highest apparent retention rate for full-time secondary students in public schools from years 10 to 12 at 108.5 percent. This figure exceeds 100 percent due to an influx of students into ACT public colleges primarily from the non-government sector. The national apparent retention rate for full-time secondary students in public schools was only 74.1 percent in 2010.  The largest proportion of students completing year 12 across all schools. In 2010 the completion rate for all students was 78 percent compared to the national average of 66 percent.  A student-to-teacher ratio for government schools of 12.5, compared with the national average of 14.0. The ACT Government investment in our public schools reflects our commitment to providing Canberra families with the highest quality educational opportunities. Statement Ends 31 January 2012 Media Contact:

Chris Hallett Ian Hunter

Ph: 6207 5140 Ph: 6207 5140

Mob: 0478 489 445 Mob: 0478 406 502

[email protected] [email protected]

ACT Legislative Assembly Phone (02) 6205 2244 Fax (02) 6205 0332 Email: [email protected]