. In 1990 the equivalent rate was 66.5%" (http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/ABS).The retention rates for public and private schools has not been as even. In 1985 the apparent retention rates for public schools was around 40% while private schools was around 65%. In 1995 public schools retention rates was around 66% while private schools was around 82%. ie. see appendix 1. Public schools apparent retention rates have increased over the years, but why are the rates still lower than private schools ? One reason could be funding given to public and private schools.Australia is ranked 19th of 26 OECD countries in terms of expenditure on education. Australia is also ranked 55th in the UN league table of spending on education. The amount of funding a public school receives can also effect the amount of students attending that school. " The Commonwealth's State grants report and budget estimates papers reveal that the proportion of federal government funding going to public schools in 1996 was 41.5%. It is estimated that by 2004, federal funding to public schools will be slashed to 34.1% (or $2 billion a year) " (Kemp's bill rips off public education. http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2000/429/429p9.htm)Why has there been such a slash in funding to public schools in Australia ? The reason is because the Australian government is siphoning it into the private sector.Between 1975 and 1995 Australian non-government school spending had increased by 171%, while government school spending only increased by 49% (ABS 1996). Government funding for private schools is unique as it is the highest in the world. In 1996 the proportion of federal government funding going to private schools was 58.5%, and it is estimated that by 2004 it will be 65.9% (or $3.9 billion)In the new federal funding plan, there will be a total funding of $22 billion. Public schools will be receiving $7.7 billion while private schools will be receiving $14.3 billion, this means that priv...
