This paper examines the educational disparities between Canberra, located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and Queanbeyan, situated in New South Wales (NSW), through the lens of federal and state governance. By analysing datasets including NAPLAN results, My School data, and Census information, the research identifies key discrepancies in funding, resource allocation, and educational opportunities.

The analysis reveals that Canberra schools benefit from higher per-student funding, better infrastructure, and more extensive access to extracurricular and advanced learning opportunities compared to Queanbeyan schools. These disparities are closely tied to the contrasting governance structures, where Canberra's education system operates under a streamlined ACT administration, while Queanbeyan is subject to the broader and more complex NSW framework. Socio-economic data further highlights the disadvantage experienced by Queanbeyan, with higher levels of poverty correlating with lower educational outcomes.

Key findings emphasise that the dual governance system exacerbates inequities, with limited coordination between federal and state governments contributing to resource imbalances. The socio-political dynamics, including funding formulas and policy priorities, further entrench these disparities, disproportionately affecting students in socio-economically disadvantaged regions.

The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted policy reforms, including increased funding for border regions, cross-jurisdictional collaboration, and equity-focused initiatives. By addressing these systemic barriers, the research provides a pathway towards reducing educational inequities and fostering equitable opportunities for all students.

Authors:
Anna Wilkey, Australia National University, Australia
Siobhan King, University of Canberra, Australia

About the Presenter(s)
Anna Wilkey is an educator and researcher based in Canberra, Australia. She will be pursuing her PhD at the Australian National University. Her research explores socio-political dynamics in education.
Siobhan King is a Secondary Educator and First Nations academic based in Canberra, Australia.

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