Politics · Australia · 2 hrs ago
Plan would tie full funding for Victoria’s private schools to fee-free enrolment
A proposed overhaul would change how Victoria funds non-government schools, drawing on a model from Ontario, Canada.
Schools would have to drop fees and entrance exams and accept students from their local area to receive full public funding.
Schools that keep charging fees or selecting students would lose government funding, while religious schools could continue faith-based teaching.
Ontario’s publicly funded, fee-free schools serve 93 per cent of students, according to the proposal’s authors.
They say Australia’s school system is highly segregated and that students in disadvantaged schools can fall behind in learning.
The plan aims to make schools more socially mixed and encourage them to compete on student outcomes rather than on attracting wealthier families or selected students.
A proposal would give Victoria’s non-government schools full government funding if they abolish fees and accept all students in their local zones.
Schools that continue charging fees or reject inclusive enrolment would lose public funding under the plan.
The proposal, adapted from Ontario’s school system, aims to reduce social segregation and make schools compete on student outcomes.
The plan was set out by teacher Tom Greenwell and former principal Chris Bonnor in a report called Choice and Fairness.
Religious schools could continue faith-based education, and non-government schools could remain independent of the Department of Education.
- Who
- The proposal was developed by teacher Tom Greenwell and former principal Chris Bonnor.
- What
- It would make full government funding conditional on schools abolishing fees and accepting all students in their local zones.
- When
- The proposal was reported on October 14, 2026; the article was first published on October 14, 2026.
- Where
- Victoria, Australia. The plan is adapted from Ontario, Canada.
- Why
- Its authors say it would reduce social segregation and improve fairness and student outcomes.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Funding condition
- Full government funding would require schools to abolish fees and accept all students in their local zone.
- Funding consequence
- Schools charging fees or rejecting inclusive enrolment would lose public money.
- Report
- Choice and Fairness, co-authored by Tom Greenwell and Chris Bonnor.
- Ontario example
- 93 per cent of students attend fully publicly funded, fee-free schools serving local enrolment zones.
- Publication
- October 14, 2026
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What people are saying
Overhauling our system to create fully publicly funded, fee-free local schools in all sectors will produce fairer educational outcomes, stronger communities, and a more liveable and sustainable city.
Absent the need to charge fees, non-government schools will be in a position to grow their enrolment share.
The opportunity for faith schools to enrol children from all families in their community, not just those who can afford the fees, is a significant factor.