The Age Schools Summit as it happened: Government and opposition announce education pledges; Carroll responds to leadership questions

More of the state’s wealthiest schools could be shielded from the controversial payroll tax after Education Minister Ben Carroll said he was open to making further adjustments to the scheme if Labor wins the November election.

Speaking at The Age’s School Summit on Wednesday, Carroll said under current measures just the top tier private schools paid the payroll tax and indexation meant more schools were unlikely to be added to the list.

Under changes announced in May’s state budget, the point at which non-government schools become liable to pay the tax increased from $15,000 to $16,397 of annual fee income per child. The change takes place on July 1.

Asked at Wednesday’s summit whether Labor would consider scrapping the divisive tax, Carroll said the recent changes would protect more schools from paying in the future.

“Having said that, though, I am very aware that it is an issue for many schools,” he said.

Carroll acknowledged the contribution some of the wealthiest schools made by making their multimillion dollar facilities available to the public, leaving the door open for future amendments.

“Many schools do open up their facilities for community use, and it’s something I’m continuing to look at as well.”

Some of the largest private schools in the state, including Caulfield Grammar and Haileybury, have said the surcharge the school applied to cover the tax would be adjusted if the state government amended or repealed the tax.

The opposition has long opposed the tax claiming it unfairly penalises private schools.

As education spokesperson, Liberal leader Jess Wilson pledged the party would scrap the tax for government and non-government schools if elected in November.

The payroll tax was introduced by the Labor government in July 2024 when about 60 private schools were subject to the charge.

Collectively, these 60 schools paid the state an estimated $101.8 million last year.

All of the state’s almost 1600 government schools pay payroll tax.

The tax, which is hotly contested by the non-government school sector, will be reviewed in 2029.

Carroll also used his keynote speech to remind summit attendees of Labor’s education policies, including limiting screens in schools.

From next year, primary students will have their daily screen time at school limited in an attempt to boost engagement. Students in years 3 to 6 will be restricted to 90 minutes of screen time a day, while students in prep to year 2 will have minimal exposure to devices.

Carroll said the changes would help ensure children had face-to-face experiences and real friendships.