Summary

Provides financial assistance to the States and Territories for government and non-government schools for 2005-2008 by providing for: integration of Catholic system schools in the socioeconomic status (SES) funding model for non-government schools; a funding guarantee to independent non-government schools that would otherwise be disadvantaged from updating the SES scores for 2005-2008; additional funding for the Capital Grants Program for constructions and refurbishments in non-government schools in isolated locations in the Northern Territory; establishment of the Literacy, Numeracy and Special Learning Needs Program for disadvantaged students; additional funding for capital infrastructure for schools; funding for non-government rural student hostels; and extension of the national testing and Statements of Learning to include information and communications technology. Also contains transitional provisions and a regulation-making power.