At least 58 ACT public schools face budget cuts in 2027, with 37 facing reductions of more than five per cent, prompting the Canberra Liberals to demand the Education Minister take responsibility for the school budget process.

Shadow Education Minister Elizabeth Lee will move a motion in the Legislative Assembly today, calling for greater transparency and consultation over school funding decisions.

The figures, obtained by The Canberra Times, show some schools face reductions running into hundreds of thousands of dollars, or even millions, compared with 2026.

Lee says some schools have already dismissed staff, including learning support assistants, while others are considering cuts to programs and services.

She says the Education Directorate has acknowledged risks including increased stress for principals, reduced student support and potential increases in behavioural incidents and occupational violence.

“School principals were blindsided with indicative budgets showing significant cuts, running into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and in some cases millions, yet the Minister continues to deny that cuts are occurring,” Lee says.

The motion calls on the minister to accept responsibility, establish clear budget protocols in consultation with principals and other stakeholders, and report on work to review the Student Resource Allocation model.

Lee says some of the ACT’s most disadvantaged schools appear to be among those facing the largest reductions.

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