Following news that over 80 per cent of ACT public schools had exceeded their budgets, Canberra Liberals MLA Jeremy Hanson brought forward a motion calling on the Government to guarantee there will be no cuts to teachers, support staff or programs in any public school.  

Education Minister Yvette Berry proposed amendments calling on the Government to guarantee, in 2025 and 2026, no cuts to permanent staff, retention of temporary staff for safety and other compliance requirements, and ongoing staff consultation. This amendment was voted down by the opposition and crossbench. 

ACT Greens MLA Laura Nuttall moved an amendment calling on the Government to rule out cuts to casual and temporary education staff in 2025 and 2026. This amendment was opposed by ACT Labor but passed with the support of the opposition and crossbench. 

Thomas then moved amendments calling on the Government to invest in our public education system sufficiently to arrest the decline in public school enrolments in the ACT. Thomas moved these amendments in response to data showing decreasing public school enrolments over the last four years, while independent and Catholic school enrolments have increased. His amendments passed with the support of the ACT Greens, Canberra Liberals and independent MLA Fiona Carrick. Notably, ACT Labor did not support Thomas’ amendment.  

The motion passed with Thomas’ and Miss Nuttall’s amendments.