A major new report released today confirms that Australia’s Independent schools contribute $45.69 billion annually to the national economy—which is equivalent of 1.8% of the country’s GDP and similar to the estimated economic contribution of the Gold Coast.
Commissioned by Independent Schools Australia (ISA), the AEC Group report finds that Independent schools support over 264,000 full-time jobs, generate $29.5 billion in household income, and save taxpayers $12.5 billion a year through reduced costs to governments.
ISA Chief Executive Graham Catt said the findings prove that Independent schools are not only delivering strong educational outcomes, but are also a powerhouse of national economic value.
“This report completely dismantles the dangerous myth that Independent schools are a drain on taxpayers,” Mr Catt said.
“Independent schools ease pressure on public schools, save billions for governments, and are expanding fastest in Australia’s most disadvantaged communities.
“We’re challenging interest groups, ‘think tanks’ and governments to acknowledge Independent schools as the national asset they are—not as a political target. Families making sacrifices to choose an Independent school are contributing twice: once to their school and again to the education of students in government schools.”
- Key Findings – 2023–24 Financial Year:
- $45.69 billion total economic contribution to Australia’s GDP
- $16.33 billion from direct school operations, capital investment and international student activity
- $29.36 billion from flow-on effects to other sectors
- 264,360 full-time-equivalent jobs supported nationally
- $29.51 billion in total household income
- $12.51 billion in taxpayer savings:
- $9.91 billion in reduced government education funding
- $2.60 billion in privately funded school infrastructure
- Enrolment growth is strongest in outer-suburban, regional and low-fee schools
- Savings to Governments and Taxpayers by State and Territory:
| State/Territory | Recurrent Costs ($M) | Capital Costs ($M) | Total Savings ($M) |
| New South Wales | 3,904.6 | 1,028.6 | 4,933.2 |
| Victoria | 2,152.7 | 672.6 | 2,825.3 |
| Queensland | 1,869.8 | 437.1 | 2,306.9 |
| South Australia | 527.6 | 134.8 | 662.4 |
| Western Australia | 980.6 | 241.2 | 1,221.9 |
| Tasmania | 128.7 | 15.8 | 144.5 |
| Northern Territory | 60.3 | 26.6 | 86.9 |
| Australian Capital Territory | 343.0 | 44.7 | 387.7 |
| Total | 9,906.8 | 2,601.5 | 12,508.3
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Mr Catt said the report also included detailed state-by-state breakdowns of job creation, household income and infrastructure investment.
“Independent schools are builders, employers, partners in regional development, and contributors to Australia’s long-term prosperity,” he said.
“Every dollar invested in an Independent school returns far more to the nation—in educational outcomes, but in jobs, economic growth, and productivity.”
The full report is available at https://schoolchoicecounts.isa.edu.au/research/economic-contribution-of-the-independent-school-sector