Federal Budget: Implications for Catholic educators
The 2025 federal Budget delivers significant investments in education, healthcare, and international aid, with mixed responses from Catholic organisations.
The Independent Education Union (IEU) welcomed major education reforms, including 100 per cent public school funding and a $1 billion early childhood plan. Teachers will also benefit from tax cuts, housing support, and reduced HECS-HELP debts, easing financial pressure on early-career educators.
For Catholic schools, the Budget finalises key school funding agreements.
‘Queensland’s decision to sign on to the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement marks the finalisation of the federal government’s school funding agreements with states and territories – a development we welcome in Catholic education,’ National Catholic Education Commission executive director Jacinta Collins said. She described the deal as ‘a significant step forward in ensuring all Australian schools are funded to the schooling resource standard’.
The $1 billion Building Early Education Fund was another welcome inclusion, aimed at improving access to early childhood education in high-need areas.
‘One of the fund’s key priorities is co-locating services on school sites, which is great news for many Catholic schools, especially in regional and outer suburban areas where childcare access has been limited,’ Collins said. She added that co-location would ‘help ensure continuity in children’s learning, reinforcing our commitment to accessible, quality education for all families’.
Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA), however, criticised the Budget for failing to adequately address poverty and inequality, calling for stronger leadership and long-term solutions.
Caritas Australia acknowledged the $5 billion aid commitment but urged the government to restore funding to 1% of the budget, citing global instability and humanitarian needs.
Catholic Health Australia (CHA) praised record Medicare investments and hospital funding but flagged concerns over aged care reforms and workforce challenges. While supporting palliative care initiatives, CHA stressed the need for sustainable healthcare solutions.
For Catholic educators, these reforms affect school funding, teacher wellbeing, and the broader social context in which they serve.
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Schools are taking proactive steps to create safer learning environments, with new initiatives addressing student safety and digital wellbeing.
The MacKillop Institute’s Power to Kids in Schools program is now available nationwide, equipping educators with strategies to prevent and respond to child sexual exploitation, harmful sexual behaviour, and dating violence. With nearly one in four Australians experiencing child sexual abuse (ACMS, 2023), the program strengthens child-safe cultures and aligns with existing Respectful Relationships frameworks. More than 400 educators have already engaged with the initiative.
Meanwhile, psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg has endorsed a growing movement to ban mobile phones in schools, citing a survey of 3000 parents, staff, and students. The findings show reduced critical incidents, fewer social media-related issues, and improved student engagement. Carr-Gregg sees the policy as a foundation for broader protections, including potential social media restrictions for under-16s.
Study highlights lifelong benefits of Catholic education
New research from the HILDA Survey shows Catholic school graduates enjoy long-term benefits in employment, income, health, and life satisfaction. Alumni are more likely to be employed, earn higher wages, work in public-serving sectors, and donate to charity. These findings align with international studies highlighting the positive academic, social, and civic outcomes for Catholic school graduates. Sydney Catholic Schools executive director Danielle Cronin said the research reinforced the positive effect of Catholic schools on individuals and society.
Read more.
Hope in action conference calls for justice
Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) renewed its call for a just and compassionate society as its Hope in Action Conference concluded in Sydney.
More than 130 social service leaders gathered to discuss sustainable funding and the role of Catholic Social Teaching in shaping policy. Cardinal Mykola Bychok stressed the link between truth and peace, while Bishop Vincent Long van Nguyen urged Catholic leaders to walk with the poor.
CSSA executive director Dr Jerry Nockles reaffirmed the mission to bring truth, peace, and hope where they are most needed.
In brief
The Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry has launched a new website, pilgrimsofhope.catholic.org.au, to help Catholics celebrate Jubilee Year 2025. Archbishop Christopher Prowse said the site offered resources for renewing faith and accessing plenary indulgences. It includes information on Australian pilgrimage sites and will be regularly updated with new materials for parishes, schools, and communities.
QCEC Boarding Schools Network co-chairs, Brett Greinke and Hannah Orchard, visited Downlands College in Toowoomba to advocate for Catholic boarding schools. They met with staff and toured the college’s facilities. The Network, established in late 2024, supports the Queensland Catholic Education Commission in collaborating with school authorities on accreditation standards.
The World We Can Build, a new picture book set for release in May 2025, teaches children about creating an inclusive world. Written by Eliza Hull and Sally Rippin, with illustrations by Daniel Gray-Barnett, it tells the story of two children, one using a wheelchair, who struggle to find a place to play. Inspired by the social model of disability, the book highlights how the world can create barriers, rather than focusing on limitations. It calls for a more accessible future and is available for pre-order now.
The Sisters of Our Lady of Sion and colleagues unveiled a beautiful statue of ‘Miriam’ last week as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of Marist-Sion College in Warragul.
What’s on
2025 Young Voices Awards: Open to secondary and senior primary students, with categories in articles, photography, and digital media. Theme: Voices of hope. Learn more here.
Bursary for regional educators
The Archbishop Francis Carroll Bursary offers up to $5000 for Catholic educators from rural and remote areas to attend the 2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference in Cairns (20-22 August). Funding covers registration, travel, and accommodation. Applications are now open. Apply here.