Wednesday 13 May, 2026

The Victorian Student Representative Council (VicSRC) has welcomed the findings of the Victorian Parliament’s Inquiry into Public School Funding, saying the report reflects what students across the state have been raising for years. 
 

The inquiry highlighted growing concerns around equity, student wellbeing, workforce pressures and unequal access to opportunities in public schools. 
 

Throughout the inquiry process, students consistently connected funding to their everyday experience of school and not just budgets or buildings. 
 

One student reflection shared through the inquiry process described funding as “shaping how students experience support, opportunity and belonging at school.” 
 

Another recurring message from students was that inequity “cannot depend on postcode”, with concerns raised about unequal opportunities between schools and the disproportionate impact on students already facing barriers. 
 

VicSRC CEO Julia Baron said the findings reinforce the importance of listening to student experiences directly. 
 

“Students are experiencing the impacts of underfunding every day, through stretched wellbeing supports, unequal opportunities and increasing pressure within schools,” Ms Baron said. 

“We welcome the inquiry’s recognition that school funding is not just a budget issue. It shapes how students experience education, support and opportunity.” 
 

VicSRC also welcomed the inquiry’s focus on equity, particularly for rural and regional students, students with disability and students facing additional barriers. 
 

While encouraged by the findings, VicSRC said there is still more work to do to ensure students are meaningfully involved in shaping education policy and funding decisions.
 

A strong theme raised by students throughout the inquiry was the desire to be involved earlier in decisions that affect their education, rather than being consulted after decisions have already been made. 
 

VicSRC is calling on the Victorian Government to respond to the inquiry with meaningful action and long-term investment in public education.