Education

Education is meant to prepare children for adult life. That starts with turning up and learning to read, write and do maths. Parents should know how their child is progressing and have another option when a school is not working for them.

ACT backs clear standards, honest reporting and more freedom for schools that can deliver. We brought back charter schools because families and educators should be able to try a different approach, with public funding and accountability for results.

Our first education commitments for the 2026 election deal with two practical problems families are facing now: the cost of compulsory school uniforms and rural school buses that pass children with empty seats.