The NSW Teachers Federation (NSWTF) said Local Schools, Local Decisions is in urgent need of dismantling and has devolved major financial and staffing decisions from the NSW Department of Education to individual schools, untethered to student need.

The policy, the Federation said, has proven particularly damaging for disadvantaged communities, where schools lack the resources, staffing and expertise to effectively manage complex funding decisions in response to student need.

Attendees at today’s annual NSWTF conference heard alarming evidence that the policy continues to fragment the public education system and waste valuable teaching time on administration, despite promises to wind it back.

Former state and Commonwealth education department head Michele Bruniges presented new analysis revealing that 25 per cent of NSW schools are now classified as “high concentration disadvantaged” – up from 22 per cent in 2017.

The data shows 9 per cent of NSW students now attend these schools – nearly double the proportion since 2017 – with NSW over-represented nationally among high-disadvantage schools.

NSWTF president Henry Rajendra said policy has created a two-tier education system where disadvantaged students are denied the support they need.

“Every day we delay dismantling Local Schools, Local Decisions is another day millions in funding flows through a system that is failing students and burning out teachers,” Rajendra said.

“We’re seeing teachers and principals handling a threefold increase in students with disabilities while grappling with 1950s-era support systems.”

Rajendra moved a motion at the conference calling for the complete dismantling of Local Schools, Local Decisions and its replacement with a centralised response focused forensically on the needs of all students including those from disadvantaged communities.

Former federal and state minister Linda Burney, who began her previous career as a teacher in 1979, has been honoured by the Federation with its Champion of Public Education award, recognising her lifelong dedication to public education and student equity. PHOTO: AAP

The motion demanded immediate conversion of flexible funding into permanent staffing entitlements, centralised allocation based on student need, additional support for schools with high concentrations of disadvantaged students, two hours additional release time per week for all teachers, and systematic reduction in class sizes.

Bruniges, who served as Secretary of both the NSW Department of Education (2011-2016) and Commonwealth Department of Education (2016-2023), detailed how the current fragmented approach undermines efforts to address educational disadvantage.

Rajendra said he believed the evidence is clear – allowing schools to operate as individual islands has failed the state’s most vulnerable students

“It’s time for the Minns Government to deliver on its promise and rebuild a public education system that works for every child,” he said.             

Fittingly during NAIDOC Week, the Federation today also honoured former federal and state minister Linda Burney with its Champion of Public Education award, recognising her lifelong dedication to public education and student equity.

One of the first Aboriginal students to graduate from Mitchell College of Advanced Education, Burney began her teaching career at Lethbridge Park Public School in 1979, and went on to become a powerful advocate for the role of public education to address Indigenous disadvantage.

Burney worked in the Aboriginal Education Unit (Policy) of the NSW Department of Education and was executive officer of the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) from 1983 to 1987.

She went on to lead NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs from 2000 to 2003 before being the first Aboriginal person elected to the NSW Parliament in 2003. 

Burney was also the first Aboriginal woman elected to the federal House of Representatives and the first Aboriginal person to serve as the federal Minister for Indigenous Australians.

“Linda Burney represents the transformative power of public education and has been one of its fiercest advocates,” Rajendra said.

“From classroom teacher to government minister, she has never forgotten her roots in our public school system.

“Ms Burney understands that public education is the foundation of a fair and democratic society. Her career exemplifies how public schools can nurture leaders who give back to their communities.”

The Champion of Public Education award recognises individuals who have made exceptional contributions to advancing public education and its values.