The Canberra Liberals say an independent review of ACT public school resourcing has exposed years of systemic failures across the education system, as the ACT Government unveils what it describes as a “generational shift” towards a single co-ordinated public education system.

Shadow education minister Elizabeth Lee said the review confirmed long-standing concerns raised by teachers, parents and school communities about growing bureaucracy, inequity between schools and increasing pressure on frontline staff.

The ACT Public School System Resourcing Review, conducted by an independent expert panel chaired by Prof Ken Smith, found the system was marked by “confusion, inconsistency and poor communication”, while teachers faced mounting administrative workloads that were pulling them away from classrooms.

It also identified disparities between schools, with some able to offer enrichment programs while others struggled to maintain staffing levels, and highlighted safety concerns from staff who described acting like “bodyguards” or “punching bags”.

Ms Lee said the findings directly contradicted repeated claims from the government that the education system was performing strongly.

The review noted ACT student achievement compared less favourably with national averages once socio-economic advantage was taken into account, and that even advantaged ACT students often underperformed against similar students in NSW and Victoria in NAPLAN testing.

“This report confirms what we have been saying for years, the system is not working the way it should,” Ms Lee said.

“Teachers are overwhelmed, schools are under pressure, and resources are not reaching the areas where they are needed most.”

Education Minister Yvette Berry said the report showed the challenges facing schools required a “system-wide response” and announced the government would move away from a model of autonomous schools towards a single public education system.

Under the government’s interim response, an implementation team will oversee reforms aimed at improving equity, consistency and support across schools.

The ACT Government has accepted 18 of the report’s 25 recommendations and agreed in principle to the remaining seven.

The 2026-27 Budget includes $9.3 million to begin the transition, including funding for stronger HR, financial and infrastructure support for schools, a review of the school funding model and new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governance arrangements.

Ms Berry said the reforms would create a fairer and more co-ordinated system.

“A stronger system will free up schools and teachers to do what they do best – teaching students,” she said.

“But this change is ultimately about ensuring every child, regardless of which public school they attend, can expect consistent and high-quality teaching, support and resourcing.”