Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The answer to the first part is to say that the white paper is a set of broad objectives to be achieved over time. It is about a strategic direction for Australia. It sets out those priorities, but it is not designed to provide individual funding decisions.

The government will have more to say on these issues in coming months and, quite frankly, we would like to see a broad national commitment to these objectives. This is not just about government; it is about how Australian business, education institutions, trade unions and all of us engage with taking advantage of the opportunities provided.

But, as the Prime Minister has made clear, part of the Gonski reforms will see us include, as a priority, the question of Asian languages as we commit to a whole new education funding formula in coming months.