Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs The Smith Family calls for urgent action following the Summary Report on educational reform
12 December 2023
Children’s education charity The Smith Family says it’s optimistic the commitment of
education ministers, and a new summary report informing school reform, will lead to
improved outcomes for students most in need - but the time to act is now.
“Today, Commonwealth, state and territory education ministers have agreed they’re
committed to closing the educational gap that has been growing at an alarming rate. We
welcome this and urge them to move quickly to finalise the next National School Reform
Agreement so we can reverse this trend,” said The Smith Family CEO, Doug Taylor.
The summary report highlights the benefit of targeted educational support for students
who have slipped behind at school.
“The Smith Family sees everyday how providing students with the right support at the
right time can be transformational in their education journeys.
“We welcome the initiative to provide tailored extra learning support for students facing
disadvantage, who often face a complex set of circumstances that can hinder their
educational outcomes.
“Enabling these students to catch up, keep up, and stay engaged at school will allow all
young people, no matter their backgrounds, to have the best chance of completing Year
12. We know that students who finish school have better futures.”
Doug Taylor was a member of the Ministerial Reference Group advising on how to
make education more equitable.
“The latest OECD PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) results
showed 15-year-old Australians experiencing disadvantage are, on average, around five
years of schooling behind their more advantaged classmates.
“We know from our work on the ground supporting students that the majority are eager
to learn, but just need the right help to reach their potential.”
The Smith Family CEO is also welcoming today’s commitment by education ministers to
fully fund all Australian schools.
“We would urge that this starts as soon as possible, and with the schools who have the
greatest need, and that any additional measures are informed by evidence.
“We know that improved use of data helps schools achieve better educational
outcomes. It enables our nation to meet our equity goals and ensure public
accountability for the significant investment in education.”
He said the next agreement has the power to bring long-lasting, positive change to
hundreds of thousands of children and young people.
“With the right policies and the right implementation, we can build a school system that
works for all. One that matches the dedication and commitment of our teachers,
educators and families and gives all students the best possible opportunity to make the
most of their future lives.”
The new agreement is set to come into effect in January 2025.
“We urge our nation’s education ministers to action their commitments made today,
swiftly, so we can provide a better and fairer education system for all young people as
soon as possible.
“There is not a moment to lose.”
The Smith Family CEO Doug Taylor is available for interviews.
Media Enquiries:
Caitlin Dickson | Senior Media Advisor | Mob: +61 466 955 633 |
E: Caitlin.Dickson@thesmithfamily.com.au
education ministers, and a new summary report informing school reform, will lead to
improved outcomes for students most in need - but the time to act is now.
“Today, Commonwealth, state and territory education ministers have agreed they’re
committed to closing the educational gap that has been growing at an alarming rate. We
welcome this and urge them to move quickly to finalise the next National School Reform
Agreement so we can reverse this trend,” said The Smith Family CEO, Doug Taylor.
The summary report highlights the benefit of targeted educational support for students
who have slipped behind at school.
“The Smith Family sees everyday how providing students with the right support at the
right time can be transformational in their education journeys.
“We welcome the initiative to provide tailored extra learning support for students facing
disadvantage, who often face a complex set of circumstances that can hinder their
educational outcomes.
“Enabling these students to catch up, keep up, and stay engaged at school will allow all
young people, no matter their backgrounds, to have the best chance of completing Year
12. We know that students who finish school have better futures.”
Doug Taylor was a member of the Ministerial Reference Group advising on how to
make education more equitable.
“The latest OECD PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) results
showed 15-year-old Australians experiencing disadvantage are, on average, around five
years of schooling behind their more advantaged classmates.
“We know from our work on the ground supporting students that the majority are eager
to learn, but just need the right help to reach their potential.”
The Smith Family CEO is also welcoming today’s commitment by education ministers to
fully fund all Australian schools.
“We would urge that this starts as soon as possible, and with the schools who have the
greatest need, and that any additional measures are informed by evidence.
“We know that improved use of data helps schools achieve better educational
outcomes. It enables our nation to meet our equity goals and ensure public
accountability for the significant investment in education.”
He said the next agreement has the power to bring long-lasting, positive change to
hundreds of thousands of children and young people.
“With the right policies and the right implementation, we can build a school system that
works for all. One that matches the dedication and commitment of our teachers,
educators and families and gives all students the best possible opportunity to make the
most of their future lives.”
The new agreement is set to come into effect in January 2025.
“We urge our nation’s education ministers to action their commitments made today,
swiftly, so we can provide a better and fairer education system for all young people as
soon as possible.
“There is not a moment to lose.”
The Smith Family CEO Doug Taylor is available for interviews.
Media Enquiries:
Caitlin Dickson | Senior Media Advisor | Mob: +61 466 955 633 |
E: Caitlin.Dickson@thesmithfamily.com.au
Media contacts:
Andrew Dickson | National Media Manager (National) - 0421 285 529 | andrew.dickson@thesmithfamily.com.au
Carla Horton | Senior Media Advisor (QLD & WA) - 0423 618 776 | carla.horton@thesmithfamily.com.au
Reid Jermyn | Media Advisor (VIC, SA & NT) - 0412 803 566 | reid.jermyn@thesmithfamily.com.au
Ben Chenoweth | Senior Media Advisor (NSW, ACT & TAS) - 0413 346 934 | ben.chenoweth@thesmithfamily.com.au
The Smith Family is a national children’s education charity that helps young Australians experiencing disadvantage to create better futures for themselves through harnessing the power of education. We partner with around 800 Australian schools and work with over 162,000 children and young people experiencing disadvantage access our education support programs to help them overcome . For more information, visit thesmithfamily.com.au