Queensland Catholic schools won’t take up Tehan offer

1 May 2020

The Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) will not opt into the Federal Government’s offer of an early payment of school funding.

QCEC is the Approved Authority which receives government funding on behalf of Queensland’s 307 Catholic schools.

Executive Director Dr Lee-Anne Perry said she acknowledged the intent of the proposal by Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan to bring forward payments normally due in July.

“While we are grateful for any offer of assistance in this difficult time, after consultation with our Catholic School Authorities, we have decided not to opt into this proposal and its associated conditions,” Dr Perry said.

“Catholic schools have budgeted for the July payment and have indicated they are able to work within the government’s original payment schedule.

“Schools will continue to operate in accordance with the advice of the State health authorities with the wellbeing and safety of our students and staff as our highest priority.

“For now, Catholic schools remain open to the children of essential workers and vulnerable students while also providing high quality learning-at-home support and resources for all other Catholic school students.

Dr Perry said Catholic schools are showing wonderful innovation and creativity in keeping all students engaged, whether they are learning at home or at school.

“Decisions about opening up schools more broadly will be made when we have updated advice from State authorities,” Dr Perry said.

Dr Perry said she had written to Minister Tehan to convey QCEC’s decision.