Abstract

The aim of this paper is to consider the views and attitudes towards education in Australia, how these attitudes vary across the population, and how they have changed over time. The paper uses data collected as part of the ANUpoll series of surveys, focusing on the April 2023 data collection. We also include data from surveys going back to 2008, as well as surveys undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic. The April 2023 survey has information on 4,469 Australian adults from all states and territories and from a variety of demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Australians have very positive views towards education in Australia. Universities and schools were some of the more trusted institutions in Australia (well above governments and the public service) and most people thought that schools, TAFE colleges and universities were doing a good or excellent job. Australians also see a very strong role for schools and universities in society, particularly the core roles of training young Australians for the future workforce and ensuring young Australians have the essential skills in literacy and numeracy. Australians are less likely to say that public schools are doing a good or excellent job compared to other institutions, but 80.9 per cent of Australians say that public schools should receive more money, compared to 55.3 per cent of Australians thinking that private schools should receive less money. 

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