PO Box 7189 KALEEN ACT 2617 Tel: Fax: Email: Website: 02 6262 4420 02 6262 4401 austppa@iinet.net.au www.appa.asn.au
UPDATE OF STIMULUS PACKAGE MONEY
Dear Colleague, Today APPA met with the key Commonwealth officer for the schools aspect of the recently announced stimulus package. We thought you may be interested in the following update. PRIMARY SCHOOLS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY (P21) - $12.4 billion 1. The Commonwealth has sent out a template to all States and Territories asking for data on the number of primary schools and their current enrolment figures. As you know, funding amounts will be based on school size. 2. States/Territories and Block Grant Authorities will be running the process but the Commonwealth will be setting certain parameters, eg, a) there must be consultation with school communities and principals, b) get the money to local communities as quickly as possible. 3. There will be 3 rounds and they are estimating about 20% of schools for Round 1. 4. Note the nominal amounts are up to not actual – so if your school has 400+ students then you will be eligible for up to $3m. The Commonwealth is asking States/Territories and Block Grant Authorities to get as close as possible to the mark but if there is unspent money, it can be spent on another school. Costs must be realistic but there is some flexibility (eg, rural and remote etc). 5. If you have a brand new school with everything then there may not be any need for further investment. However, this must be decided in consultation with you and your community. This money again can be used in another school. 6. If 2 schools are merging, then both schools can give their money to the new school (schools must be part of a system to do this). 7. Schools that are closing are not eligible. 8. The Commonwealth has clearly identified priorities. They are: 1) Libraries. 2) Multipurpose halls (could be large covered areas, or have a capacity for sport or performing arts). 3) Classroom block / replacement of demountables. 4) Refurbishment of hall/library/classroom block building or another building.
5) If school has all of the above, negotiations may include early childhood centres but they must be an integrated part of a primary school and childcare must not be a major part of the role. 9. Every school that builds a library or a hall must make it accessible to the public at low or no cost. Low cost would allow for recurrent costs such as cleaning, etc. 10. If a school builds something else (eg, science block) then you still have to make your existing hall or library open to the public unless you get an exemption from the Australian Government.
SCHOOL PRIDE PROGRAM - $1.3 billion 11. State/Territories and Block Grant Authorities will vary how schools apply – some States already have a backlog. However, they must check with you and your community that your list is still relevant and a priority. 12. Amount depends on the size of your school, eg, large schools of 400+ can access up to $200,000. No school has an entitlement to the full amount. 13. This money cannot be used for air-conditioning or heating unless that is part of a large infrastructure (eg, hall). These are a state authority responsibility. 14. This is additional money and State/Territory systems should not substitute this money for primary school maintenance. Your State association will need to make systems accountable for current state spending/budget. 15. States/Territories and Block Grant Authorities will receive 1.5% of the total amount to run process/ project management. Support for you should therefore be available. 16. Remember this is about jobs. Design templates are to be used unless a school can show it can get other work started quickly. 17. Note the Commonwealth is using the term ‘P21’ for Primary Schools for the 21st Century part of the package. Hope this helps. Your national executive representatives for APPA will receive another update in Canberra next week. Again, we welcome any calls or emails because we can follow up any questions or queries.
Leonie Trimper President Tel : 0412 177 621 Email: ltrimper@senet.com.au
Terry Aulich Executive Director Tel: 0448 935 029 Email: austppa@iinet.net.au