New figures show a widening funding gap in Australia's education system, with an $800 million overfunding in private schools compared to a $4.5 billion shortfall for public schools.

The Australian Education Union says not a single public school in Tasmania meets the agreed minimum funding level, while all private schools in the region are deemed overfunded.

The report, conducted by independent education economist Adam Rorris for the Australian Education Union, predicts a worsening underfunding trend for public schools across all states and territories over the next five years. 

In 2023, Tasmanian public schools faced a $118 million deficit, contrasting with a $7 million surplus for private schools.

Identified overfunded private schools include Scotch Oakburn College, Launceston Church Grammar School, The Friends School, Christian Schools Tasmania, and The Launceston Preparatory School. 

Collectively, public schools in Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory were underfunded by around $1.2 billion this year alone.

The report calls for full funding of all public schools to the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) by 2028, emphasising the persistent gap between mandated minimum SRS funding and actual allocations. 

If funding commitments do not increase, the report warns of an annual shortfall between $6.2 and $6.5 billion for public schools from 2023 to 2028.

Concerned individuals, including David Genford of the Australian Education Union and Julie Pepperell, a parent with a child in both private and public schools, highlight the impact of underfunding on students. 

Genford stresses the need for proper funding to reduce overcrowded classrooms and provide necessary support, while Pepperell expresses concern over the unfair disparity in resources.

The Tasmanian Association of State School Organisations (TASSO) condemns the current funding practices, describing them as pitting government and non-government schools against each other. 

TASSO says that every child deserves access to schooling meeting minimum educational standards, calling for an end to the divisive allocation of funds.

Tasmanian Government Minister Nick Duigan has urged the federal government to increase its funding for Tasmanian public schools from 20 per cent to 25 per cent, emphasising the state government's significant investment in education and the need for federal support.