UNICEF Australia welcomes investment in education in the Federal Budget 2025

UNICEF Australia welcomes the release of last night’s Federal Budget for 2025-26, with its focus on education at all stages a win for children. Investing in a child and young person’s education journey across their entire life helps ensure we give them the best chance to thrive.  

This begins with early childhood education and care with the Government’s landmark reforms a very positive step forward. These include $426.6 million for subsidised childcare guaranteed for a minimum three days a week for all parents, $1 billion for new childcare centres, and a $3.6 billion wage increase for early educators.  

As children move into primary and secondary education, access to quality public education means every child gets the chance to learn and put their best foot forward. The recent negotiation of the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement between the Commonwealth and States and Territories is a big win in this regard, putting every public school on a pathway to full funding including $407.5 million Federal Government funding announced last night, together with the required funding now having been committed in each State and Territory. 

And as children and young people leave school and look to further their education in the tertiary system, access to affordable higher education is crucial. The Government’s decision to wipe out 20% of student debt will provide some much-needed relief from financial pressures, and making 100,000 Free TAFE places a permanent fixture of the higher education system will help more young people transition into employment.  

UNICEF Australia looks forward to working with the Government to see through these crucial investments, helping every child access their right to education, and giving Australia’s next generation the best chance to succeed.  

 26 March 2025