On Monday last week we reported that Labor candidate for Cowper had announced $22.2 million in additional funding for public schools in our electorate over its first three years in office, if elected.

Today, the Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey said NSW schools would collectively receive more than $100 million on top of last year’s record amount, with Oxley’s schools receiving near $19.4 million.

The state electorate of Oxley covers less territory than the federal electorate of Cowper, so today’s funding announcement equates to more money for our region overall.

But the main difference between the two parties is in which schools are destined to receive the dividends.

The money promised by Labor would be targeted towards public schools.

Whereas the NSW Liberal/National Government’s funding would be provided through an increase to every school’s per-student allocation, whether private or public.

“Our schools can use the additional funds to continue to hire more teachers or administrative staff, for example, or to buy new iPads, instruments or sports equipment – whatever our school communities decide will best meet their unique learning and teaching needs.” Mrs Pavey said.

Education Minister, Rob Stokes, said the funding, known as Resource Allocation Model (RAM) funding, gives school principals freedom to spend their allocated funds to deliver the best outcomes for their students.

“I am incredibly proud of the outstanding educational leaders in our public schools and their ability to engage students. RAM funding provides greater resources to enable them to direct funding to cater to the needs of their particular student body,” he said.

The RAM payments were introduced in 2014 as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to needs-based funding and ensures that every school receives a fair and transparent allocation of the State’s public education budget.

EPA backflip puts rubbish back in landfill