The ACT Government has unveiled a landmark reform that will reshape the future of public schooling, announcing a move toward one coordinated public education system – a shift described as “generational” in scope and impact.
The announcement forms the centrepiece of the Government’s interim response to an independent review of public school system resourcing, released on 27 May.
According to the government, the new Future of Education: One public education system framework is designed to “create opportunity, strengthen fairness, level the playing field and ensure every child, no matter their background, can build a good life”.
A key recommendation of the Expert Panel’s report calls for the ACT to transition from a legacy of autonomous schools to a unified system. The government has agreed to the recommendation and will begin moving toward a more consistent, equitable model of system‑wide coordination.
Education Minister Yvette Berry said the report validates what school communities have long been expressing – that today’s challenges require a system‑level response.
“We’re better when we work together. Schools are stronger when they’re part of a system. This is the change we need,” she said.
Ms Berry emphasised that a stronger, more unified system will free teachers and school leaders to focus on teaching and learning, while ensuring all schools have the support and resources they need.
“This is a deliberate and significant shift in how we deliver public education in the ACT,” she said.
The Expert Panel made 25 recommendations, with the ACT Government agreeing to 18 and agreeing in principle to the remaining seven. Ms Berry acknowledged that the transition will take time, but stressed that the goal is clear: consistent, high‑quality teaching and support for every child, regardless of which public school they attend.
To begin the transition, the 2026–27 Budget includes a $9.3 million investment, covering:
- $5.3 million for strengthened system supports such as HR, finance, infrastructure and leadership
- $2 million to review the school funding model
- $2 million to establish new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governance arrangements
An implementation team within the Education Directorate will oversee the rollout over the next two years.
Ms Berry said she looks forward to seeing the benefits of the reform unfold across the Territory’s public schools in the coming years.