Updating the Melbourne Declaration

Australian students will get a quality school education, tailored to individual learning needs and relevant to a fast-changing world that gives each student the opportunity to reach their full potential. 

Minister for Education Dan Tehan today announced he would take a proposal to update the 2008 Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians to the next Education Council meeting in December. 

In 2008, all education ministers endorsed the Melbourne Declaration to improve equity and excellence for every Australian student. 

“The Melbourne Declaration is now ten years old so it’s time that we again look at how we are educating our children and agree a way forward to continue improving student outcomes,” Mr Tehan said. 

“Our Government is providing a record $309.6 billion in recurrent funding to all Australian schools over the period 2018 to 2029, which represents an increase of $37.6 billion. 

“Our Government is also ensuring nationwide reforms to improve student outcomes as recommended by David Gonski in his Review to Achieve Educational Excellence in Australian Schools. 

“Australia needs a shared agenda across the country to ensure alignment between policy, practice and delivery. 

“This is an issue that should be above politics and I will be seeking the co-operation of my state and territory colleagues in working together to update the Melbourne Declaration and to give our kids the education they deserve. 

“Only the Morrison Government is keeping Australians together by working with every state and territory to ensure every student in Australia can get a quality education.”