May 10, 2024, Mirage: $224.3M [$149M] Investment Boosts Support for Special Needs Students
Additional $224.3 million [$149M] investment to support public school students who have a diagnosed disability or additional learning needs
Funding committed as part of 2024-25 State Budget
Supporting the increasing number of students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and others experiencing a range of learning challenges
The Cook Labor Government today announced an additional $224.3 million investment to support public school students who have a diagnosed disability or other special learning needs. . . .
Improving outcomes for students with disability will also be the focus of a review of the School Education Act 1999. An expert panel is being established to oversee the review, which will be chaired by Telethon Kids Institute autism researcher, Professor Andrew Whitehouse. . . .
As stated by Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"Schools should be places where everyone feels welcomed, understood, accepted, and valued.
"Education has a crucial role to play to ensure that those living with disability are fully included in all aspects of society and receive equal access to learning opportunities.
"Over time, the Department of Education has seen an increase in Individual Disability Allocation expenditure as the number of students diagnosed with a disability increases. This included an increase of 1,639 students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder over the past year.
"This ongoing funding commitment will ensure that those students with additional learning needs continue receiving the resources and support they need to learn and thrive at school."
