Improving the learning outcomes of educationally disadvantaged school students, including students with disabilities, is a major Commonwealth priority. Australian Government financial assistance to the States and Territories to improve the educational outcomes of students with disabilities in the school sector largely comprises:
a) the General Recurrent Grants Programme, which is the principal source of Commonwealth funding (an estimated $27.9 billion over 2005-2008);
b) the Literacy, Numeracy and Special Learning Needs (LNSLN) Programme – (an estimated $2.1 billion 2005-2008), which provides additional targeted funding for students with disabilities through:
- Schools Grants element which will contribute an estimated $1.87 billion over 2005-2008 to government and non-government education authorities to achieve improved outcomes for educationally disadvantaged students, including students with disabilities;
- Non-government Centre Support (NGCS) element which will contribute an estimated $146 million over 2005-2008 to improve the educational opportunities of children with disabilities who receive services from non-government centres;
- National Projects element which will contribute an estimated $32 million over 2005-2008 to fund national projects and initiatives aimed at improving the learning outcomes of educationally disadvantaged students.
- From 2002, $4.5 million was allocated for national and State/Territory research projects under the Effective Teaching and Learning Practices for Students with Learning Difficulties (SWLD) initiative under the National Projects element. The aim of the projects is to increase teachers’ knowledge and understanding of how to enhance the literacy and numeracy development of school students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Funding provided under other Commonwealth targeted programmes such as the Country Areas Programme, English as a Second Language - New Arrivals Programme and various Indigenous education programmes, may also be used to assist students with disabilities.
The Literacy Numeracy and Special Learning Needs Programme is the key targeted programme that provides assistance to educationally disadvantaged students, including students with disabilities. The former Minister for Education Science and Training, The Honourable Dr Brendan Nelson, has secured an additional $25.8 million to support students with disabilities through the LNSLN Programme over 2005–2008.