- Cook Labor Government commits almost $40 million to schools for high-priority works
- Funds held in reserve for public schools until Public Education Endowment Repeal Bill 2025 passes State Parliament
- Land held by Trust to be considered for future development opportunities
As part of the 2026-27 State Budget, the Cook Labor Government will set aside almost $40 million for targeted upgrades and maintenance in public schools, to be made available following the repeal of the Public Education Endowment Act 1909.
These funds will be used to target high-priority works at schools, such as:
- security alarm system upgrades;
- accessibility upgrades;
- roof space remediation;
- fire door replacements; and
- power upgrades.
The Public Education Endowment Repeal Bill 2025 is currently before the Parliament of Western Australia and seeks to abolish the Trust created in 1909 to support public education, by using gifted land as a source of income.
The Trust has assets worth approximately $40 million but has not used these assets or received any income for several years.
The most recent round of grants approved by the Trust was in 2013, which included funding for university research projects. Other examples of grants previously approved by the Trust range from scholarships to the purchase of a sailing ship.
This commitment through the 2026-27 State Budget will ensure that the value of the Trust's assets is guaranteed to benefit Western Australian schools. It will also ensure that the assets can be used where they are needed most, including transferring land held in Fremantle from the Trust to the State Government, so it can be considered for future development opportunities.
The land is located on the corner of Knutsford Street and Amherst Street in Fremantle and has been earmarked for housing.
As stated by Education Minister Sabine Winton:
"This is a significant investment in the future of public education in Western Australia.
"The Public Education Endowment Trust was established over a century ago with a clear purpose, to support our public schools.
"Today we're honouring that legacy by ensuring almost $40 million flows directly to
real, tangible improvements for public schools right across Western Australia."
As stated by Planning and Lands Minister John Carey:
"This move is a win-win - delivering a boost in maintenance for schools and providing more housing opportunities in the longer term.
"The Cook Labor Government is investing record amounts in social housing and affordable rentals and to unlock land for new housing. This transfer presents another opportunity to build more homes in Fremantle."
