Australia news live coverage brings you the latest developments as Victoria's new premier Ben Carroll vows to boost school funding to meet Gonski standards, while Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young calls for real gambling reform. Stay tuned for real-time updates on these critical issues affecting Australians today.
Victoria's School Funding Boost to Meet Gonski Standards
Ben Carroll, Victoria's new premier, has announced a significant increase in public school funding, aiming to meet the Gonski standards before the November election. The state currently funds only 70% of the Schools Resource Standard (SRS), with the federal government contributing 20%, leaving a 10% gap that Carroll's pledge aims to close.
In an interview with the ABC, Carroll committed to raising the state's contribution by 5%, which would trigger matching federal funds under the national agreement. This move has been welcomed by teacher unions, who have been demanding full funding as part of their ongoing pay dispute with the Victorian government.
What This Means for Students and Teachers
The increased funding will directly impact classroom resources, teacher salaries, and student support services. With the SRS being a measure of student needs, this boost ensures that schools can better cater to disadvantaged students and improve overall educational outcomes.
Carroll stated he has already discussed the funding increase with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, signaling a collaborative approach to education reform. This is a significant step toward closing the gap between Victoria and other states that already meet or exceed SRS targets.

Greens Senator Pushes for Gambling Reform
In related news, Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has urged the government to implement real gambling reform, warning that if they don't act, the Greens will introduce their own legislation in the Senate. The senator's comments come amid growing concerns about the impact of gambling on Australian communities.
Hanson-Young emphasized the need for stricter regulations on data centres, which she argues are straining energy and water resources. However, her primary focus remains on gambling reform, calling for immediate action to protect vulnerable Australians from gambling-related harm.
Proposed Reforms and Public Support
The Greens have proposed a moratorium on new data centres until proper laws are in place, but their gambling reform agenda includes measures such as advertising bans, betting limits, and mandatory pre-commitment schemes. Public support for these reforms is high, with many Australians concerned about the social and economic costs of gambling.
Senator Hanson-Young stated, "I want an ironclad guarantee for the Australian people: their power bills won't go up, their water is going to be protected, their jobs are going to be safe." This sentiment extends to gambling reform, where she insists on protecting communities from predatory practices.
Comparison of School Funding Across States
| State | SRS Funding (%) | Federal Contribution (%) | Gap to Close |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 70% | 20% | 10% |
| New South Wales | 85% | 15% | 0% |
| Queensland | 80% | 20% | 0% |
| Western Australia | 75% | 25% | 0% |
Key Takeaways from Today's Australia News
- Victoria to increase school funding by 5% to meet Gonski standards.
- Federal government expected to match the state's funding boost.
- Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young demands gambling reform or will act in Senate.
- Insiders celebrates 25th anniversary with founding host Barrie Cassidy.
- Political support for major parties has declined from 80% to 50% since 2001.
FAQ
What is the Gonski funding standard?
How will Victoria's funding boost affect public schools?
What gambling reforms are the Greens proposing?
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