Mark Speakman
Shadow Minister for Education
Despite today’s claims about strengthening the teacher workforce, the Minns Labor Government’s own reporting shows the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) teachers in NSW public schools has gone backwards since 2023.
Shadow Education Minister Mark Speakman criticised the Minns Labor Government for its deceptive portrayal of the state of public education in NSW.
“It's deceptive to trumpet the conversion of temporary roles without acknowledging that the total FTE number of teachers in our classrooms has gone backwards, as shown by comparing the 2023 and 2025 NSW Public Sector Reports,” Mr Speakman said.
Mr Speakman also rejected claims that the Government’s school infrastructure program was expanding, pointing to the Government’s own budget papers, which show the education infrastructure budget shrinking.
“Most of the school infrastructure the Minns Government is opening was planned and funded by the former Liberals and Nationals Government. Labor is cutting ribbons on projects that were already well underway,” he said.
“Despite rhetoric about record investment, the education capital budget in 2025–26 is down 7.7 per cent compared with the previous year’s budget. That means a pipeline of fewer new classrooms and continued pressure on growing communities.”
“We all want to see the proper investment in our teachers and school infrastructure, but that starts with acknowledging the facts. You can’t fix problems that you refuse to acknowledge and pretend don’t exist.”
Mr Speakman called on the Minns Government to provide a transparent account of staffing levels and infrastructure delivery.
“Our education system needs sustained investment, not selective statistics designed to hide the truth.”